Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection, risk behavior, and HIV knowledge among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan.
OBJECTIVE
To assess prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, risk factors, and HIV knowledge among tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan.


METHODS
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.
Todd
Catherine S
CS
Division of International Health and Cross-Cultural Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0622, USA. cstodd@ucsd.edu
Barbera-Lainez
Yolanda
Y
Doocy
Shannon C
SC
Ahmadzai
Ahmadullah
A
Delawar
Fais M
FM
Burnham
Gilbert M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000346:Afghanistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary