Disability is a risk factor for 1-year mortality after TB diagnosis

B A C K G R O U N D: People with disabilities are at significant risk of contracting TB. We aimed to assess the effect of disability on 1-year mortality among people with TB. M E T H O D S: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using the linked national registry databases in the Republic of Korea. Of the 317,597 enrolled participants with newly diagnosed active TB between 2008 and 2016, 33,712 (10.6%) had disabilities. The primary endpoint was to compare 1-year mortality after TB diagnosis between people with and without disabilities. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the hazard of 1-year mortality and explore related factors. R E S U L T S: Individuals with disabilities had a higher incidence of all-cause mortality than those without disability (7.77 vs. 2.85 per 1,000 person-months). Disability was significantly associated with 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.24; 95% CI 1.19–1.29). The risk of mortality in people with severe disabilities increased with aHR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.51–1.69). The risks of TB-related and non-TB-related deaths in people with disabilities were significantly elevated. C O N C L U S I O N: People with disabilities exhibit a higher 1-year mortality rate after TB diagnosis than those without disabilities, underscoring the need for tailored healthcare interventions.