TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection, risk behavior, and HIV knowledge among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan
AU - Todd, Catherine S.
AU - Barbera-Lainez, Yolanda
AU - Doocy, Shannon C.
AU - Ahmadzai, Ahmadullah
AU - Delawar, Fais M.
AU - Burnham, Gilbert M.
PY - 2007/11
Y1 - 2007/11
N2 - OBJECTIVES/GOAL: To assess prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, risk factors, and HIV knowledge among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan. STUDY DESIGN: Adult participants undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in this cross-sectional study completed a questionnaire and HIV testing between November 2005 and February 2006. Prevalence of HIV and high-risk behaviors were calculated, with correlates of high-risk behavior and relevant knowledge assessed. RESULTS: Of 1163 participants, 2 (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.0-0.6) were HIV-infected. Known risk factors for HIV infection, such as paying women for sex or male to male sexual contact, were rarely reported, though receipt of injections from a nonmedical provider was common (38%). Symptoms suspicious for sexually transmitted infection were reported by 5% of the population and were significantly associated with young (<26 years) age (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7-6.0). Relatively, a few participants had ever heard of HIV (23%) or condoms (25%). Condom use was significantly more frequent among those 26 and older (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.7-5.2) and among male participants (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan is currently quite low. However, lack of knowledge of HIV and engaging in high-risk practices, particularly regarding health, make this group vulnerable. Health education sessions regarding HIV, sexually transmitted infection, and blood-borne infections should be implemented for tuberculosis patients during the treatment course.
AB - OBJECTIVES/GOAL: To assess prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, risk factors, and HIV knowledge among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan. STUDY DESIGN: Adult participants undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in this cross-sectional study completed a questionnaire and HIV testing between November 2005 and February 2006. Prevalence of HIV and high-risk behaviors were calculated, with correlates of high-risk behavior and relevant knowledge assessed. RESULTS: Of 1163 participants, 2 (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.0-0.6) were HIV-infected. Known risk factors for HIV infection, such as paying women for sex or male to male sexual contact, were rarely reported, though receipt of injections from a nonmedical provider was common (38%). Symptoms suspicious for sexually transmitted infection were reported by 5% of the population and were significantly associated with young (<26 years) age (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7-6.0). Relatively, a few participants had ever heard of HIV (23%) or condoms (25%). Condom use was significantly more frequent among those 26 and older (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.7-5.2) and among male participants (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan is currently quite low. However, lack of knowledge of HIV and engaging in high-risk practices, particularly regarding health, make this group vulnerable. Health education sessions regarding HIV, sexually transmitted infection, and blood-borne infections should be implemented for tuberculosis patients during the treatment course.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=37349065093&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=37349065093&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318095068a
DO - 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318095068a
M3 - Article
C2 - 17595595
AN - SCOPUS:37349065093
SN - 0148-5717
VL - 34
SP - 878
EP - 882
JO - Sexually transmitted diseases
JF - Sexually transmitted diseases
IS - 11
ER -