Health related quality of life (HRQL) scoring in tuberculosis
Dhingra, V.K.; Rajpal, S.
Indian Journal of Tuberculosis 50(2): 99-104
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5707 Document Number: 253943
76 consecutive patients (aged 15-60 years) diagnosed with tuberculosis (51 pulmonary and 25 extrapulmonary) and treated at the New Delhi Tuberculosis Centre, Delhi, India, during April-June 2002, completed an HRQL questionnaire thrice over an 8-week period. Its construct validity and responsiveness were tested by comparing baseline and change in scores obtained with sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase (IP) of treatment with antituberculous agents. A significantly higher HRQL score at 8 weeks was observed in patients who converted at the end of IP as compared to those who failed to convert, both at the end of IP and even after its extension by 4 weeks. HRQL scores showed a statistically significant negative correlation with sputum grading at 0, 4 and 8 weeks for each domain (symptom score, sociopsychological and exercise adaptation score). It is concluded that the HRQL scoring for tuberculosis (DR-12 Scale) has a strong construct validity and is responsive to change in quality of life and may be a useful additional evaluative tool for follow up of patients during treatment under RNTCP.