Knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission among recently diagnosed tuberculosis patients: a cross sectional study

Cesar Ugarte-Gil,Carlos Seas,Luz Canaza,Mario Ponce,Carlos Zamudio,Frine Samalvides

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-1237

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with Tuberculosis (TB) are a vulnerable group for acquiring HIV infection. Therefore, countries with a concentrated HIV epidemic and high prevalence of TB should provide adequate information about HIV prevention to TB patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the level of knowledge on HIV prevention and transmission among newly diagnosed TB patients in Lima, Peru. The survey evaluated knowledge about HIV infection and prevention and was administered before HIV counseling and blood sampling for HIV testing were performed.ResultsA total of 171 TB patients were enrolled; mean age was 31.1 years, 101 (59%) were male. The overall mean level of knowledge of HIV was 59%; but the specific mean level of knowledge on HIV transmission and prevention was only 33.3% and 41.5%, respectively. Age and level of education correlated with overall level of knowledge in the multivariate model (P-value: 0.02 and <0.001 respectively).ConclusionsThe study shows inadequate levels of knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention among newly-diagnosed TB patients in this setting, and underscores the need for implementing educational interventions in this population.

Highlights

Patients with Tuberculosis (TB) are a vulnerable group for acquiring human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection
In 2011, the global number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases was 8.7 million; 13% of these cases were co-infected with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV), and only 40% of TB notified cases were tested for HIV [1]
To implement HIV prevention strategies among TB patients it is essential to know the level of knowledge about HIV in this specific population

Summary

Methods

Study population We conducted a cross-sectional study, from October 2010 to November 2011, among adult patients recently diagnosed with pulmonary TB, confirmed by microscopy and/or culture, with no previous diagnosis of HIV infection, at peripheral health care centres of San Juan de Lurigancho district in Lima, Peru. The maximum score for HIV knowledge was 35 points, reflecting 100% overall level of knowledge. This instrument has been applied before in a similar population in Lima [9], but was validated again with a pilot study before using it in this study population (Chronbach’s alpha (0.6)). Considering a confidence level of 95%, a power of 80% and a level of knowledge of 60-70% (based on previous studies) [9,10,11,12], the minimum sample size was 171 participants. Peruana Cayetano Heredia and the Health Direction of San Juan de Lurigancho district approved the study

Results

Background

Discussion

Conclusion