Rate of tuberculosis screening and isoniazid prophylaxis treatment among human immunodeficiency virus patients in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area: A retrospective study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe co-occurrence of Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been recognised as a global public health problem with considerable mutual interaction and a leading cause of death worldwide.AimTo determine the rate of TB screening among People Living with HIV (PLWH) and treatment with isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis in directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) clinics in Primary Healthcare centres (PHCs) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state.Materials and MethodThis clinic-based, two-year retrospective cross-sectional study involved a complete review and abstraction of all records for HIV patients (18 years and above) who have been receiving HIV care and treatment for at least 6 months prior to the study in DOTS clinics in five selected PHCs in OBALGA. The data were extracted using a checklist while the statistical analysis of the study was carried out using SPSS version 23.ResultsThe proportion of HIV-positive patients screened for TB was 79.8% while those who had TB diagnostic evaluation among them was 38.6%, and 38.7% of the HIV/TB co-infected patients were placed on INH prophylaxis.ConclusionInsufficient attention is being paid to TB diagnostic evaluation and IPT. Hence, it is recommended that the PHCs in the LGA should be equipped with appropriate devices for TB diagnosis as well as engage the Healthcare Workers in sensitization workshops on the need for continuous screening of PLWH for TB.