PESHAWAR
Preliminary findings of a joint Pakistan-United Kingdom research project have revealed alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety and mental stress among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Pakistan, highlighting the need to integrate mental health services into routine TB care.
The findings were shared by Professor Dr Saeed Farooq, a psychiatrist at Keele University, UK, and chief investigator of the “CONTROL” programme, during a media briefing at Khyber Medical University (KMU) on Wednesday.
Presenting the initial results of the study, Dr Farooq said that of the 1,200 TB patients enrolled in the project, 570 were found to be suffering from mental health problems. He added that nearly 66 per cent of the patients were experiencing moderate to severe depression, while around 40pc were affected by anxiety and other psychological conditions.
“These mental health issues have a significant impact on treatment adherence and recovery outcomes among TB patients,” he said.
The CONTROL programme, conducted in collaboration with the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is a joint initiative of Keele University and KMU. The project aims to improve treatment outcomes by incorporating culturally adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) into conventional TB care.
Researchers noted that many TB patients face depression, anxiety, fear of social stigma, loneliness and financial hardships, all of which can negatively affect their treatment and recovery.
Dr Farooq said the ongoing clinical trial, being carried out in various cities across the country, is also assessing the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of providing psychological support alongside standard TB treatment.
He expressed optimism that the final results of the study would provide evidence for policymakers to integrate mental health services into national and provincial TB control programmes, ultimately improving the quality of life and recovery prospects of TB patients across Pakistan.
