IJTLD Open. 2025 Nov 12;2(11):639-645. doi: 10.5588/ijtldopen.25.0305. eCollection 2025 Nov.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: At least 1 million adolescents develop TB disease annually. Adolescents are also at risk for depression due to TB, but this is poorly understood.
METHODS: This prospective cohort study aimed to identify the frequency and risk factors for depression amongst adolescents with rifampicin-susceptible TB in Lima, Peru. During weeks 3-5 of treatment, participants completed a survey that included socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, treatment side effects, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression scale. Those with depression received psychological evaluation and were referred for treatment, with treatment intensity corresponding to depression severity. Applying k-means cluster analysis, we grouped participants by socio-demographic characteristics. We used generalised linear mixed-effects regression to model the relationship between cluster, symptoms and side effects, and depression.
RESULTS: Of 249 participants, 98 (39%), 62 (25%), and 33 (13%) had mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. We identified three clusters; Cluster 1 – adolescents with lower social support and more prior trauma – had the highest frequency of depression. Across all clusters, symptoms and side effects correlated with depression.
CONCLUSION: Given their high frequency of depression, adolescents on TB treatment – particularly those with trauma history, weak social support, or numerous symptoms and side effects – should be routinely screened for depression.
PMID:41246470 | PMC:PMC12617082 | DOI:10.5588/ijtldopen.25.0305
