Home / Health / 90% of TB Patients Depressed in Pakistan & Afghanistan
90% of TB Patients Depressed in Pakistan & Afghanistan
7 Jun
Summary
- Depression affects 90% of TB patients in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Untreated depression obstructs TB treatment, leading to drug resistance.
- A £4.9 million UK-funded study aims to address this mental health crisis.
A recent UK-funded study has uncovered an alarming prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with 90% suffering from the condition, starkly contrasting the global average of 40%. This mental health challenge significantly impedes patients' ability to complete their prescribed six-month treatment course.
The obstruction of treatment completion often leads to the development of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), a form of the disease that is ten times more dangerous and significantly more costly to treat. Health experts warn that many patients are jeopardizing their lives by not finishing their treatment regimens.
A joint program between Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar and Keele University UK, funded by a £4.9 million grant, is actively working to address this issue. The project, concluding in June 2026, aims to implement strategies for providing essential psychiatric and psychological support to patients.
Dr. Zohaib Khan highlighted that MDR-TB patients require extensive 24-month treatment interventions from specialists. The project has employed innovative measures, including a community engagement center and 75 research assistants, to enlist public support and cope with the high prevalence of depression among TB patients.
Preliminary findings suggest that approximately 66% of surveyed patients experienced moderate to severe depression. The study seeks to develop and test psychological interventions to improve treatment adherence among TB patients in Pakistan and Afghan refugee populations, including those with MDR-TB.
