The burden of TB/HIV co-infection among clients attending DOTs clinic in a tertiary centre in Southwestern, Nigeria: A 5-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are closely correlated and continue to cause deleterious effects in co-infected patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of TB/HIV co-infection among directly observed treatment short-course (DOTs) clinic clients in Ogun State, Nigeria.Methods:The TB register and treatment cards of patients that visited the DOTs centre in Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed.Results:A total of 726 TB patients’ records were reviewed, among which 186 (22.5%) were co-infected with HIV. TB/HIV co-infection was significantly associated with the ⩽19 years age group 54 (37.2%), females 85 (26.7%), divorced and separated 8 (34.8%), rural residents 18 (34.0%), those who had no formal education 53 (39.8%) and the unemployed 63 (31.7%). Gender and educational status remained significant predictors of TB/HIV co-infection after adjustment for confounding factors.Discussion:Gender-sensitive programming and interventions geared towards improving knowledge of TB and HIV using a wide array of approaches should be considered.