Effect of Pharmaceutical Care Interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Among Patients with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study

Introduction

Quality of Life (QoL) reflects an individual’s perception of physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being and is an important indicator of overall health and life satisfaction. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pharmaceutical care interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis through a prospective follow-up approach, A multicentric study.

Materials and Methods

A prospective multicentric study was conducted from April 2025 among patients receiving treatment for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) at the District Tuberculosis Centre, Belagavi, and affiliated Primary Health Centres in North Karnataka, India. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Human Ethics Committee and the State Tuberculosis Centre. Eligible participants were enrolled based on predefined criteria. Baseline data were collected, followed by individualized counselling. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the WHO-BREF questionnaire at baseline and during two subsequent follow-ups. All responses were recorded systematically and analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results

Significant improvements were observed across all HRQoL domains during follow-up. Physical health scores increased with mean differences of 5.00±1.05 at the first follow-up and 11.94±1.09 at the second follow-up (p<0.001). Psychological, social, and environmental domains also showed statistically significant enhancement, indicating sustained benefits of counselling and supportive care.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating structured follow-up, psychosocial support, and pharmaceutical care into routine DR-TB management. A coordinated and comprehensive care approach can improve treatment outcomes, enhance quality of life, and promote long-term health benefits among patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis.