Screening for HIV among tuberculosis patients: a cross-sectional study in Sindh, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT: To describe feasibility and results of systematic screening of tuberculosis (TB) patients for HIV. Cross-sectional study. Six selected sentinel sites (public DOTS clinics) in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. All TB patients aged 16-60 years registered for treatment from April 2008 to March 2012. Demographic information of registered TB patients, screening for HIV through rapid testing and confirmation by referral lab of Sindh AIDS Control Program, according to national guidelines. Of a total of 18 461 registered TB patients, 12 882 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were given education and counselling. Of those counselled 12 552 (97.4%) were screened for HIV using a rapid test. Men made up 48% of the sample and 76.5% of patients had pulmonary TB. Of the total patients tested, 42 (0.34%)

SUBMITTER: Hasnain J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3488723 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature