106 Chapter 4 Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of elevated baseline blood glucose in patients commencing TB treatment compared to the general population, higher in males, older age groups and HIV-positive patients. A concurrent high prevalence of elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change throughout treatment, possibly indicating a similarly high prevalence of elevated blood pressure in the general population. A family history of DM and reactive HIV status were predictors of elevated blood glucose. Given the high prevalence of HIV, this indicates a need for periodic screening of people living with HIV, males, and people in the older age group. About a quarter of our patients had unfavourable TB treatment outcomes, with death being the most common unfavourable outcome. Hypertension and unemployment were positive predictors of unfavourable outcomes, while high school education was protective, underscoring the relevance of education in TB control. Systematically implementing and institutionalising the framework for collaborative action on TB and comorbidities and integrating NCDs in infectious disease programs (TB, HIV and STIs) as recommended by WHO [10,11] can help accelerate timely diagnosis and treatment of NCDs to limit unfavourable treatment outcomes for TB patients.
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