Prevalence and control of tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s most common cause of death in the era of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). TB and HIV are called a “deadly duo” as HIV weakens the immune system and makes them more susceptible for TB infection. Uganda is ranked 20th among 22 countries with a high burden of TB. 54% of TB patients are HIV co-infected and about 30% of the HIV related deaths are attributed to TB. TB mortality remains high in Uganda, with about 4,000 people dying of the disease every year, an equivalent of the population in a parish setting. Aim: To find out the prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV infected patients reporting to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among HIV infected patients within Ishaka and the surrounding villages. The study randomly recruited 76 patients who filled in the questionnaires administered to determine the prevalence and methods of infection control among HIV /TB infected patients. Results: The prevalence of TB among HIV infected patients was still high at 10.5% despite patients having known there status. Analysis of the socio-demographic factors showed that TB incidence was distributed throughout all ages provided one was HIV positive although onset was highest in early adulthood (26-30 years) and had a death rate of 9.1%. Conclusion: Administrative, personal control measures and DOT centres were the modal of control in management and control of tuberculosis at KIUTH. Personal protections and environmental control of infections were affected by administrative decisions and thus poorly implemented. Despite the reduction in the mortality of tuberculosis among HIV infected persons, there is a lot of room for improvement especially in control of infections. Recommendations: To plan for and implement the administrative control of TB Infection control (TIC) among HIV infected clients and also come up with a follow up network for improved patients who are referred to the village DOT centres because of distance and other reasons. Mass education of the community about the factors associated with the high prevalence of TB.