Relationship between quality of life and characteristics of patients hospitalised with tuberculosis.

SETTING

Atatürk Lung Diseases and Chest Surgery Hospital in Ankara, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationships between differences in socio-demographic and family characteristics and changes that occur within the family and social environment in hospitalised patients with tuberculosis (TB) and levels of quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN

TB in-patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and a QOL instrument.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that the patients had a lower QOL level, and that those with low levels of education, no social insurance coverage and insufficient housing conditions had lower QOL scores. Patients who experienced negative changes in family life and social environment had lower QOL levels.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis, changes in family life and social milieu, the illness process and beliefs about the illness have diverse affects on the QOL of TB patients.