A cross-sectional study on knowledge about transmission and prevention of HIV in patients of Tuberculosis attending a DOTS center of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

TB-HIV coinfection imposes a double-edged sword effect on the patient’s health. Awareness about HIV among the TB patients is very essential for prevention, early detection and appropriate therapy. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission among TB patients. A cross sectional study was done among the patients of Tuberculosis who attended the DOTS center at a tertiary care hospital. Patients who were HIV-TB coinfected were excluded. A pretested questionnaire consisting of 13 questions regarding the HIV transmission, methods to avoid HIV, misconceptions and treatment was used. 53 patients were enrolled in the study. It was a predominantly young (mean age was 34.69 ± 14.18 years) and male dominated (64%) population.Out of 53 enrolled patients, 42 (79.2%) were familiar with HIV infection. Among these 42 patients, more than 80% patients were aware about multiple transmission routes of HIV infection. Homosexual and mother to child transmission were less known. Awareness about use of condoms was present in 85.7% patients. On the contrary, misconceptions about HIV transmission (coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, use same toilets) was prevalent in 40% patients. Very few patients (12%) were aware about the Indian national HIV program. There was no difference in the knowledge and awareness among males and females. Literate patients and patients living in urban area had heard of HIV more as compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). Myths and misconceptions about HIV transmission are widely persistent among TB patients even in urban cities of India. There is still a long way to go regarding the spread of awareness about HIV among TB patients despite its paramount significance in prevention, early diagnosis, and early appropriate therapy for the same.