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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sameer Uz ZamanORCiD
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Tuberculosis Association of IndiaBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health concern, particularly in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR), which accounts for 43% of worldwide TB cases. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) during treatment poses a significant obstacle to tuberculosis management, leading to treatment failure and the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB).MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024557140) sought to evaluate the prevalence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and the associated factors among Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis (DSTB) patients in Southeast Asian Region (SEAR) nations. A thorough literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, concentrating on articles published from January 2013 to December 2024. A total of 130 studies were assessed, and 51 were chosen for data extraction. The Der-Simonian Laird random-effects model was employed to compute pooled prevalence. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were employed as necessary to tackle heterogeneity.ResultsThe prevalence of LTFU in DSTB was 9.1% (95% CI: 7.8-10.4%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.07%). Indonesia had highest LTFU rates (11.9%, 95% CI: 8.1–15.8%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our study results and while subgroup analysis highlighted the regional variation.ConclusionLTFU prevalence varies significantly across SEAR countries, indicating the need for context-specific interventions. Strengthening treatment adherence through patient education, financial support, and community-based initiatives is essential to bridge existing gaps and accelerate TB elimination efforts.
Author(s): Sinha R, Fitriangga A, Sharan AP, Zaman SU, Putra IWGAE, Alex A
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Indian Journal of Tuberculosis
Year: 2026
Volume: 73
Issue: 2
Pages: 261-269
Print publication date: 01/04/2026
Online publication date: 11/02/2026
Acceptance date: 28/01/2026
ISSN (electronic): 0019-5707
Publisher: Tuberculosis Association of India
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtb.2026.01.008
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2026.01.008
