Determinants of sputum smear non-conversion after intensive phase treatment among pulmonary TB patients in southern Thailand

Key Points

• This research aims to identify factors influencing sputum smear non-conversion in pulmonary TB patients during treatment.
• Observational analysis of pulmonary TB patients in southern Thailand.
• Assessment of factors such as sex, age, AFB smear grading, and access to private hospitals.
• Evaluation of baseline weight as a protective factor.
• Identified significant risk factors including sex, age, AFB smear grading, and hospital access.
• Higher baseline weight correlated with improved conversion rates.
• Recommendations for targeted monitoring of high-risk groups.

Abstract