Evaluation of side effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs at Sungai Penuh General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem worldwide. Anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD) therapy, though effective, often causes adverse drug reactions that may affect patient adherence and treatment success. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and determinants of ATD-related side effects among TB patients.

Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary medical record data of 128 drug-sensitive TB patients receiving first category treatment at Mayjend H.A. Thalib General Hospital, Sungai Penuh, during 2023–2024. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 through univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test to assess associations between variables.

Results: Of the 128 patients, 53.6% were male, 72.7% were aged <60 years, and 88.3% had pulmonary TB. ATD side effects occurred in 57.0% of patients, predominantly nausea (63.0%), itching (57.5%), and vomiting (27.4%). Significant associations were observed between adverse effects and drug type (p = 0.037), comorbidities (p = 0.043), treatment duration (p = 0.010), and treatment outcomes (p = 0.015).

Conclusions: More than half of TB patients experienced ATD-related side effects. These findings highlight the need for early detection, routine monitoring, and individualized management of adverse drug reactions, particulary in patients with comorbidities and prolonged treatment durations.