Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. National AIDS Control Organization, India has reported TB as the commonest opportunistic infection (62.3%) among HIV infected persons.
Methodology The study was conducted among 155 patients of tuberculosis at three Microcopy centres attending urban and rural health centres with the objectives of studying epidemiological profile of patients and to assess HIV-AIDS pattern and high risk behaviour. Information on pres-designed format related to socio-demographic clinical profile, categorisation, treatment and awareness about HIV-AIDS, mode of transmission and behaviour was gathered in 2009.
Results Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21–30 yrs (23.22%). 41.93% being illiterate. 42.58% were having a monthly family income of under Rs. 3000/- (US$ 67). 47.74% had migrated from another poor state, 70.32% married. 11.72% TB patients were staying with under-six children. Fever (79.35%) and cough (72.25%) were presenting symptoms at starting the treatment. 54.19% belonged to category I of DOTS. Only half (54.19%) were aware of HIV-AIDS—77.35% in rural and 42.15% in urban areas. History of multiple partners could be elicited from two cases in urban settings History of blood transfusion was given by 7 (4.51%), 18 (11.61%) of TB were tested for HIV. 77.35% from rural and 23.52% from urban areas (total 21.93%) desired to know their HIV status.
Conclusion Maximum numbers of TB cases were in young age-group, males, low socio-economic status particularly in urban slums with poor awareness level about HIV/AIDS. Coordinated efforts for implementation of the two programs for such population groups are required in controlling these diseases.