Prevalence of Tuberculosis Among HIV Seropositive Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Tororo General Hospital, Tororo District

ABSTRACT

HIV/ AIDS is an epidemic that is most prevalent in Uganda affecting people of different age groups, occupations and gender. It has a severe impact on the health status of the affected individuals. With the increase in the transmission of HIV, there is also an increase in the existence of TB as a co-infection. In this context, the aim of our study is to emphasize the prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV seropositive patients attending the ART clinics at Tororo Hospital, Tororo district Uganda. A retrospective cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of TB in HIV Seropositive patients attending ART clinic in Tororo Hospital was conducted in July 2018. All the seropositive patients with/ without opportunistic infection above the age of 15 years were included in the study. A total of 140 patients were included in the study, of which the most affected age group was 15-45 years. Women constituted 56% of the total population. 64% of the individuals were married. Majority of them were illiterates (37%). The study revealed 45 (32%) were TB positive, of which 29 (64%) were males, while 16 (36%) were females. The highest incidence rate of 48% was seen in the 15-45years age group, followed by 45% observed in the above 45years age group. Those greater than 65 years age group had the least prevalence rate 7%. There was an extensive prevalence of TB among HIV/AIDS individuals. This signifies a need for increased screening of TB among HIV seropositive individuals and viceversa. Preventive and educational programmes should be organized to halt the transmission of HIV and to reduce the newly occurring HIV infections.