Factors Associated with Tuberclosis-HIV Co-Infection in Diagnosis in the Nzanza Health Zone

Abstract

Aim: To determine the factors associated with the increase in the proportion of HIV-infected TB patients of Kiamvu and Baobab Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment Health Center (TSTHC) in the Nzanza HZ, Matadi, between January 2012 and December 2017. Methods: This was a control case study of 187 HIV-positive TB patients and 187 HIV-negative TB patients followed at the Nzanza HZ Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment Health Center (TSTHC) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. We used Pearson’s Khi square test and homogeneity as well as logistic regression. This identified the factors associated with TB/HIV co-infection. Results: HIV-positive TB patients had a high daily household income [OR: 2.90; p: 0.000]) than HIV-negative people. The majority of HIV-positive TB patients had unprotected sex with a casual partner prior to diagnosis [OR: 1.82; p: 0.000]) than HIV-negative. After adjustment, alcohol intake [OR: 12.2; p: 0.004]) and extra pulmonary forms of tuberculosis [OR: 31.5; 0.002] were associated with increased TB/HIV co-infection. Conclusion: Alcohol intake and extra-pulmonary forms of tuberculosis were factors associated with increased TB/HIV co-infection. Awareness of TB patients may help reduce the risk of HIV infection.