Syndemic Burden: Bridging the gap between Tuberculosis and Mental Health Care for Integrated Patient-Centered Solutions – a comprehensive review

Sofia Sousa; Ana Aguiar

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v7i1.180

Authors

Sofia Sousa The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1178-693X
Ana Aguiar Institute of Public Health; Laboratory for integrative and translational research in Population Health, University of Porto; The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7643-8963

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v7i1.180

Keywords:

Tuberculosis, mental health, Syndemic

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health issues are prevalent, yet their treatment remains inadequate. Tuberculosis presents substantial mental health challenges. Their co-occurrence is a frequent phenomenon. However, the integration of mental health professionals or services is not a common practice.

Purpose: To review the evidence about the relation between tuberculosis and mental health, and its consequences concerning the implementation of policies and services.

Methodology: We conducted a comprehensive review using the MeSH terms "Tuberculosis" and "Mental Health" on PubMed, spanning from 2011 to December 2021. We identified and assessed systematic reviews, regular reviews, scoping review and meta-analyses for their appropriateness and relevance.

Results: A total of 341 studies were accessed for eligibility and 19 studies were included. Mental disorders and tuberculosis are frequent comorbidities. Their relation is commonly described as “syndemic”. Shared risk factors, social vulnerabilities, and upstream social determinants are prevalent in both conditions. There is a potential for the integration of both conditions into policy and service organization.

Conclusions: Mental disorders treatment gap could be shortened by addressing mental health problems among TB patients. The WHO Global End TB Strategy prioritizes integrated patient-centered care, and fostering collaborative partnerships between tuberculosis and mental health services could enhance its implementation

Author Biographies

Sofia Sousa, The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

Ana Aguiar, Institute of Public Health; Laboratory for integrative and translational research in Population Health, University of Porto; The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

The Population Studies Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

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