Knowledge, attitude and practice in tuberculosis treatment among HIV-positive patients: Association with sputum conversion-A mixed-methods study.

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals living with HIV. Adherence to anti-tuberculosis therapy is essential for successful treatment and sputum conversion. Therefore, it is of interest to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding tuberculosis treatment among 120 HIV-positive patients receiving first-line therapy and examined their association with sputum conversion. Structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews were administered. Sputum microscopy was performed at baseline, 2 months and 6 months. The mean total KAP score was 17.3 ± 3.8. Sputum conversion occurred in 78% at 2 months and 92% at 6 months. Higher KAP scores were significantly associated with earlier sputum conversion (p < 0.05). Thus, we show that patient awareness and adherence behaviours are strongly associated with treatment outcomes. Structured counselling and adherence-focused interventions may improve tuberculosis control in HIV-infected populations.