An assessment of the risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis among adult patients suffering from human immunodeficiency virus attending the Wellness Clinic at Themba Hospital

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, the data about risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is limited. Therefore, the assessment of risk factors for PTB is an important step to identify which risk factors are unique in every specific population context and in this way gain a better understanding of them. The aim of this research was to assess contributory risk factors for PTB among adult patients suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attending the Wellness Clinic at Themba Hospital. Method: A cross sectional descriptive design was employed. A total of 300 participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic information, behavioural factors and medical history of patients in the research. Data were analysed using Stata Release 11 software. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with PTB. Results: The results of this investigation showed that being of single marital status (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.01–3.79), moderate/heavy drinkers (OR = 3.46; 95% CI = 1.56–7.69) and living in a dusty outdoor environment (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.16–3.61) were statistically associated with pulmonary tuberculosis for the study participants in multivariable logistic regression models. Conclusion: Single marital status, dusty outdoor environment and moderate/heavy drinkers were strongly associated with an increased risk of PTB among HIV positive patients. Pulmonary tuberculosis control and prevention strategies among HIV positive patients should be focused on reducing or limiting the impact of these risk factors. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2015; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2014.978105