Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

The Newcastle University research output collection, currently available on ePrints, will shortly be moving to a new open repository platform, Figshare. To prepare for the data migration we have paused adding new content to ePrints, and will resume once the new repository is launched. During this time you will continue to have access to ePrints (but no new content will appear). We will share updates here when available.

Prevalence of lost to follow-up in drug-sensitive TB patients in WHO SEAR countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sameer Uz ZamanORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

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.

Publication metadata

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

Share