Publication:

Association of body mass index with drug resistance and disease pattern among tuberculosis patients in a rural area of Western Uttar Pradesh: a cross-sectional study

Background Undernutrition is a key determinant of tuberculosis (TB), influencing susceptibility, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Its relationship with drug resistance and disease pattern remains an area of growing interest, particularly in rural settings. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of TB patients using body mass index (BMI) and examine its association with drug resistance and site of disease.

Methods A cross-sectional study with secondary data analysis was conducted at the DOTS Centre from 2021 to 2025. A total of 812 diagnosed TB patients were included. Data were analysed using SPSS, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test.

Results The mean BMI was 17.26±3.21 kg/m², with 73.2% of patients being underweight. Drug resistance was significantly higher among underweight patients (16.2%) compared to those with normal/overweight BMI (8.3%) (χ²=11.152, p=0.001). Similarly, undernutrition was more prevalent among pulmonary TB patients (73.9%) than extrapulmonary TB patients (66.7%), with a statistically significant association (χ²=4.23, p=0.04).

Conclusions Undernutrition is highly prevalent among TB patients and is significantly associated with both drug resistance and pulmonary disease. Addressing nutritional deficits should be an integral component of TB control strategies.