Factors influencing tuberculosis preventive practices among people living with HIV/AIDS enrolled in secondary health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Tuberculosis is the most potent opportunistic infection leading to deaths among patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Therefore, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding tuberculosis preventive strategy among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is vital in minimizing the risk of developing TB infection which forms the objective of this study.

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out using multi-stage sampling technique in selecting 606 respondents. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 23.

RESULT: Of all the respondents, 245 (40.4%) were within 28-37 years, 386 (63.7%) were females and 219 (36.1%) had secondary education. Majority of the respondents 500 (82.5%), 423(69.8%) and 411(67.8%) had positive attitude, good practices and good knowledge respectively. Associated factors were age, marital status, religion, educational status, knowledge and attitude with tuberculosis practices. Respondents between 18-27 years were twice less likely to engage in good TB preventive practices (OR-0.44, 95% CI- 0.25-0.78, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Over half of respondents had good tuberculosis preventive practices, influenced by their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude towards TB infection. Preventive efforts need to be strengthened among individuals between 18-27 years of age, non-Christians and those with lower educational status.