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Roos R.1, Myezwa H.1, van Aswegen H.1
1University of the Witwatersrand, Physiotherapy, Johannesburg, South Africa
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) significantly contribute to the burden of disease in resource-limited countries. It is known that a history of PTB in people living with HIV (PLWH) can alter such individuals' lung function, exercise capacity and health related quality of life. It is not known to what extent a history of PTB influences walking activity and health status of PLWH.
Purpose: Walking activity and health status of PLWH with a history of PTB was assessed and compared to an age- and gender-matched group of PLWH. Factors associated with walking less than 7 500 steps/day were determined.
Methods: Secondary analysis of data collected from a large cohort of PLWH was undertaken. Forty nine PLWH with a past medical history of PTB were matched with an equal number without PTB. Participants walking activity was assessed with the Yamax SW200 pedometer. The cohorts health status was determined using: participants self-report health perception; smoking history; vegetable and fruit consumption; stress levels; anthropometric measures; CD4 count and viral load. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 24. A pvalue less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Each group consisted of both genders (19 [38.8%] males, 30 [61.2%] females) with mean age of 40.4 (±9.5) years (PTB group) and 40.7 (±9.8) years (non-PTB group). Both groups had similar mean duration of antiretroviral therapy (PTB: 9.1 [±2.3] months; non-PTB: 9.5 [±2.3] months). The majority was employed (PTB: 26 [53.1%]; non-PTB: 27 [55.1%]), had a secondary school education (PTB: 25 [51.0%]; non-PTB: 26 [53.1%]) and perceived their health as good (PTB: 31 [63.3%]; non-PTB: 29 [59.2%]). More were past smokers (PTB: 22 [44.9%]; non-PTB: 20 [40.8%]) than current smokers (PTB: 15 [30.6%]; non-PTB: 10 [20.4%]). Dietary intake of fruit and vegetables was inadequate (PTB: 35 [71.4%]; non-PTB: 34 [69.4%]) and groups had similar stress levels (PTB: 18.6 [±8.6]; non-PTB: 18.3 [±8.0]) on Cohens Perceived Stress Scale. Mean body mass index (BMI) of the PTB group was slightly more (24.7 [±5.9] kg/m2) than the non-PTB group (24.6 [4.1] kg/m2); mean waist circumference (PTB: 83.7 [±10.8] cm: non-PTB: 84.7 [±7.7] cm) and waist: hip ratio were less (PTB: 0.8 [±0.1]: non-PTB: 0.9 [±0.1]. The PTB group was more active (8 940.8 [±4 952.0] steps/day) than the non-PTB group (7 443.5 [±3 755.4] steps/day). PTB was not associated with individuals taking less than 7 500 steps/day [X2 (1, N=98) = 0.65, p=0.42]. Taking less than 7 500 steps/day (PTB group) was associated with CD4 count (r=0.403; p=0.004) and CD4 > 200 cells/mm3 (p=0.017).
Conclusion(s): No significant differences were observed in health status and walking activity of PLWH with a history of PTB when compared to an age- and gender matched group. Future work includes investigation of the impact of PTB-associated lung function disorders on walking activity in PLWH.
Implications: Walking less than 7 500 steps/day in a group of PLWH with a history of PTB was related to an improved immune status and physical activity modification should be encouraged.
Funding acknowledgements: National Research Foundation Thuthuka Programme; University of the Witwatersrand Faculty Research Committee Grants; South African Society of Physiotherapy
Topic: Oncology, HIV & palliative care
Ethics approval: University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
