Health care worker perspectives on TB case finding and HIV services among pediatric TB patients in Tanzania.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children are of concern due to the high morbidity and mortality they engender. Tanzania is working to improve TB and HIV case identification and treatment, as well as linkage of TB and HIV care in pediatric patients.METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted in March 2016 at 10 high TB burden clinics in five districts of Tanzania to identify the barriers to pediatric TB diagnosis and HIV care. Health care workers (HCWs) at TB clinics who provided informed consent were administered interviews which were analyzed.RESULTS: Of 41 HCWs interviewed, 26 reported receiving pediatric TB training. Barriers to TB diagnosis included low community awareness, stigma and late presentation to the clinic. Barriers to HIV testing included children attending the TB clinic with someone who was not their parent/guardian and shortages of HIV rapid test kits. HCWs stressed the need for improved community education because it was perceived that some caregivers did not understand the importance of prompt TB and HIV treatment in children (although most were eager for a resolution of their child's illness).CONCLUSIONS: Efforts are needed to ensure effective TB and HIV diagnosis and treatment of children, provision of broader HCW and community education, enhanced TB-HIV contact tracing, and ensuring a continuous supply of HIV rapid test kits.