Impact of HIV-AIDS on tuberculosis treatment outcome in Southern Ethiopia – A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundGlobally, the Tuberculosis treatment success rate was worse for HIV-positive TB patients compared with HIV- negative TB patients. This study aimed at determining the impact of HIV-AIDS and factors associated with TB treatment outcomes. MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study of five years of tuberculosis data from four public health facilities in Hosanna Town. A total of 604 study participants were included using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive analysis of ratios, rates, and proportions was done and binary logistic regression, bivariable and multivariable, analysis was also done. ResultA total of 604 TB patients were enrolled in this study. 302 (50%) were HIV co-infected. The overall treatment success rate was 90.1% (544/604). Treatment success rates are 86.4% (261/302) for TB-HIV co-infected patients and 93.7% (283/302) for non-co-infected patients. TB-HIV co-infected patients had a higher risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome (Adjusted Relative Risk [ARR]: 2.7; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.4 – 5.2). The risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome is also higher among rural residents (ARR: 3.3; CI: 1.4 – 5.0), patients on the re-treatment category (ARR: 2.7; CI: 1.4 – 5.1), and with chronic disease (ARR: 3.3; CI: 1.3 – 8.1). ConclusionTB treatment success rate is good as compared to the WHO minimum requirement. Successful treatment outcome is lower among patients with HIV infection, rural residents, patients on re-treatment, and patients with chronic disease. Therefore, due emphasis should be given to these high-risk groups.