Effect of BMI on Mortality in Patients With Tuberculosis and HIV Coinfection in Asia and Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

TL;DR

Low BMI doubles the risk of death in patients with tuberculosis and HIV in Asia and Africa, highlighting the importance of nutrition in managing these diseases.

Contribution

This study quantifies the impact of low BMI on mortality in TB-HIV coinfected populations in Asia and Africa through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Findings

Patients with BMI <18.5 had a 2.01-fold higher mortality risk compared to those with normal BMI.

The association was consistent across subgroups despite moderate heterogeneity.

Nutritional screening and BMI monitoring are recommended for TB-HIV management programs.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a major global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, corresponding to 134 cases per 100,000 population. The Southeast Asia region accounted for 45% of global TB incidence, while the African region contributed 24%. Nutritional status, particularly low BMI, is a key modifiable determinant of adverse clinical outcomes. However, its overall impact on mortality among TB-HIV coinfected populations in Asia and Africa remains poorly quantified.

This study aimed to systematically assess the association between BMI and mortality among patients with TB-HIV coinfection in Asia and Africa.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines. Cohort studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by 3 reviewers using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies – of Exposure tool. A random effects model with the DerSimonian-Laird method was applied using RevMan 7.2 (Cochrane) to estimate pooled risk ratios with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic, and subgroup analyses were conducted by geographic region.

Seven cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate indicated that patients with BMI less than 18.5 kg/m² had approximately twofold higher mortality risk compared to those with normal or higher BMI (risk ratio=2.01; 95% CI 1.63‐2.48; P<.001). Despite moderate heterogeneity (I²=64%), the association remained consistent across subgroups. Although most studies were rated as having high or moderate risk of bias, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Low BMI significantly increases the risk of mortality among patients with TB and HIV coinfection in Asia and Africa, underscoring its prognostic and modifiable role in clinical outcomes. Routine nutritional screening, BMI monitoring, and targeted supplementation should be integrated into national TB-HIV management programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Strengthening TB-HIV nutrition service integration is essential to improve survival and achieve global End TB and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 95-95‐95 targets.

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