Prevalence and associated factors of non-uptake of human immunodeficiency virus testing of tuberculosis patients in Thailand

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of non-uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing by tuberculosis hospital patients in Thailand. In 2014, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 425 tuberculosis (TB) patients from 42 public hospitals (21 provincial and 21 district hospitals), in 21 provinces, from all four regions in Thailand. All new TB and new retreatment patients were interviewed within one month of anti-tuberculosis treatment. The outcome was self-reported HIV testing after TB diagnosis. Results indicated that 38.4% of the 425 participants had not undergone HIV testing. Multiple logistic regression found that 61 years and older and being a Thai national were significantly associated with “Not tested for HIV”, while other socio-demographic factors, residential status, TB diagnosis characteristics, TB treatment status, TB knowledge, substance use and TB-AIDS stigma were not significantly associated with “Not tested for HIV”. In conclusion, the level of HIV testing among TB hospital patients was suboptimal, and the Ministry of Public Health should continue to scale-up HIV testing and other collaborative TB-HIV services at health facilities.