1. An analysis of the uptake of collaborative TB/HIV activities at fourteen TB clinics in Kinshasa, DRC
- Author
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Froyum Roise, Adam J.
- Abstract
Objectives: We assessed the uptake of HIV activities when integrated into routine care at 14 TB clinics in Kinshasa, DRC. Design: Descriptive analysis of prospective data on patients registered with TB between February 2006 and December 2006. Data was collected using modified TB treatment cards to capture both TB and HIV activities. Results: Among 3521 patients with TB, a high uptake rate of HIV testing was achieved (mean 90.2%), with large variation between clinics (range 65-99%). Almost all patients tested received post-test counseling (mean 95.8%, range 78-99%). The mean HIV prevalence rate was 16.7%, varying by clinic from 8.8 to 33.3%. Cotrimoxazole was initiated in most HIV co-infected patients (81.5%, range 63-91.5%). Referral of HIV-positive patients for psychosocial support increased over time from 32% in the 1st month of operation to 67% in the 10th month, again varying widely by clinic (0 to 85%). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was sporadic and varied by month and clinic with a mean of 6.9% of patients receiving ART. Among the 39 patients receiving ART, 28 (72%) started ART before TB diagnosis. Only 9 patients gained access to ART following HIV testing at the TB clinic. Discussion: High uptake of collaborative TB/HIV activities (HIV testing, posttest counseling and cotrimoxazole) was achieved when these activities were integrated into routine TB care. Access to ART was low among newly diagnosed co-infected patients. Quarterly monitoring and evaluation of performance of activities at the clinic level using visual charts of activities demonstrated variable performance between clinics over time.
- Published
- 2007
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