Universal HIV screening at a major metropolitan TB clinic: HIV prevalence and high-risk behaviors among TB patients

S E Weis; B Foresman; P E Cook; K J Matty

doi:10.2105/ajph.89.1.73

Universal HIV screening at a major metropolitan TB clinic: HIV prevalence and high-risk behaviors among TB patients

Am J Public Health. 1999 Jan;89(1):73-5. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.1.73.

Authors

S E Weis¹, B Foresman, P E Cook, K J Matty

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth 76107, USA. sweis@hsc.unt.edu

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the outcome of implementing a policy of universal screening of patients with tuberculosis (TB) for HIV infection at a major metropolitan public health TB clinic.

Methods: HIV serologic testing was completed on 768 (93%) of 825 eligible patients. Ninety-eight HIV-positive cases (13%) were compared with 670 HIV-negative cases. The presence of adult HIV risk factors was determined by structured interview and review of medical records.

Results: One or more HIV risk factors were present in 93% of HIV-positive cases and 42% of HIV-negative cases.

Conclusions: The metropolitan TB clinic is well suited for HIV screening, and HIV-antibody testing and counseling should be provided to all TB patients.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Ambulatory Care Facilities / organization & administration*
Case-Control Studies
Female
HIV Infections / complications*
HIV Infections / diagnosis*
HIV Seronegativity
Health Behavior*
Humans
Male
Mass Screening / organization & administration*
Middle Aged
Organizational Policy
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Program Evaluation
Risk Factors
Risk-Taking*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Texas
Tuberculosis / complications*
Tuberculosis / psychology*
Urban Health Services / organization & administration*