A roadmap for integrating nutritional assessment, counselling, and support into the care of people with tuberculosis
Pranay Sinha, Madhavi Bhargava, Madeline Carwile, Madolyn Dauphinais, Phumeza Tisile, Chelsie Cintron, Lindsey M. Locks, Janika Hauser, Matt Oliver, Scott K. Heysell, Saurabh Mehta, Julia L. Finkelstein, Kobto G. Koura, J. Peter Cegielski, Rein M G J Houben, Christopher Finn McQuaid, Anurag Bhargava
Abstract
Undernutrition-the leading risk factor for tuberculosis worldwide-is associated with impaired immunity, more extensive disease, delayed sputum conversion, and worse treatment outcomes, including mortality. In this Health Policy, we propose a comprehensive roadmap for integrating nutritional assessment, counselling, and support into tuberculosis treatment as part of person-centred care. At treatment initiation, we recommend standard nutritional assessment with anthropometric measurements and haemoglobin estimation, in addition to macronutrient and micronutrient support alongside nutritional counselling. Weight should be monitored during treatment and lack of weight gain at the end of the intensive phase should prompt an investigation of causes, such as food insecurity, poor treatment adherence, malabsorption, uncontrolled diabetes, or drug resistance. At the end of treatment, we recommend reassessing anthropometric measures to assess nutritional recovery. People with tuberculosis who remain underweight should receive close follow-up to detect early relapse. We call for annual reporting of nutritional metrics by WHO, explicit inclusion of nutritional assessment and care in national strategic plans, domestic or international support of nutritional programmes for people with tuberculosis, increased support for operational research initiatives, and integration of nutritional care into the WHO Multisectoral Accountability Framework at national and regional levels.