Awareness of Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection amongst Antenatal Clinic Attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-64-1-267

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Nigeria with an estimated prevalence of 616 cases per 100,000. HIV is the prime risk factor for an active form of latent TB. The study aimed to determine the awareness of TB and co-infection with HIV amongst antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of ANC attendees at the RSUTH. The simple randomized sampling method was used. The information was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: 200 questionnaires were distributed and 190 were retrieved. The mean age was 32 years, and the modal parity was 0. The mean gestational age was 30 years. The awareness of TB amongst the ANC attendees was 177 (93.2%). The awareness of TB/HIV co-infection was 143 (75.3%). Six (3.2%) had family members/ friends with TB, HIV, or TB/HIV co-infection. Forty-five (76.3%) of the respondents had the BCG vaccine in infancy.

Conclusion: The study revealed that TB awareness amongst ANC attendees at the RSUTH was 93.7% and TB/HIV co-infection awareness was above average (75.3%). An enlightenment program is needed to create awareness to prevent the scourge of TB and TB/HIV co-infection.