Advances in Public Health
Volume 2020 (2020), Article ID 8237928, 8 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8237928

Research Article

Determinants of Active Tuberculosis Occurrences after ART Initiation among Adult HIV-Positive Clients in West Showa Zone Public Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Gerbaba Guta Nugus¹ and Mergitu Eliyas Irena²

¹Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
²Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia

Correspondence should be addressed to Gerbaba Guta Nugus; gerbaba.guta@ambou.edu.et

Received 11 November 2019; Revised 8 January 2020; Accepted 15 May 2020; Published 31 May 2020

Academic Editor: Julio Diaz

Copyright © 2020 Gerbaba Guta Nugus and Mergitu Eliyas Irena. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Introduction. Tuberculosis is a major public health concern globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is the most common opportunistic infection and leading cause of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus despite increased deliverance of antiretroviral therapy. Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of active tuberculosis among adult HIV positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia. Methods. Multicentred unmatched case-control study was conducted on selected public hospitals in West Showa Zone from February to June, 2019. A total of 406 participants (203 cases and 203 controls) were included in the study. Cases were adult HIV patients who developed tuberculosis after ART initiation while controls were adult HIV patients who did not develop tuberculosis after ART initiation. Data were collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 statistical software. Statistical significance test was set at 95% confidence level. Results. This study identified that patient’s previous TB history (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.90; P value<0.001), haemoglobin level (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.98, 6.79; P value<0.001), CD4 cells count (AOR = 2.02; CI: 1.24, 3.29; P value=0.004), adherence level (AOR = 19.00; CI: 5.59, 64.59; P vaue<0.001), and WHO HIV/AIDS clinical stage (AOR = 2.58; CI: 1.59, 4.18; P vaue<0.001) were found to be statistically significant determinants for the occurrence of tuberculosis among PLHIV after ART initiation. Conclusion. Patient’s previous TB history, haemoglobin level, CD4 cells count, adherence level, and WHO clinical stage were significant determinants of occurrence of tuberculosis after ART initiation in PLHIV.

1. Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis that typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other sites (extrapulmonary TB) [1]. Tuberculosis spreads from person to person by airborne transmission when the infected person is talking, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or singing [1].

Tuberculosis is the most common presenting illness among people living with HIV, including those who are taking antiretroviral treatment [2, 3]. Among opportunistic infections, TB is the most frequent life threatening and a leading cause of death of PLHIV [3]. TB/HIV coinfection affects patients’ quality of life leading to poor physical health and mental disorders compared to HIV infected individuals [4]. TB and HIV are called a “deadly duo” as HIV weakens the immune system and makes them more susceptible for TB infection and TB increases the progression of HIV to AIDS stage [5]. A study reveals that HIV complicates the follow-up and compromises the response to anti-TB treatment. The complication of treatment outcomes of both diseases results from the simultaneous use of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and intensive phase of TB treatment [6].

Tuberculosis has continued being major public health problem globally affecting almost one-third of HIV infected patients. Global tuberculosis report listed TB among the top 10 causes of death and described it as the leading cause from a single infectious agent (HIV/AIDS). Even though TB affects all countries and all age groups, the estimate of 2017 revealed that 90% of the cases were adults (aged ≥15 years) and 9% were people living with HIV (72% of them in Africa) [1].

In high HIV prevalent countries, HIV related TB continues to be increasing even in well-established TB program [7]. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is reported as a major contributing factor for developing active TB. For instance, a study has shown that HIV-infected individuals are at higher risk of developing tuberculosis than HIV-negative individuals [8]. Additionally, high burden TB has been destroying the successes recorded on HIV-infection treatment as a result of ART even after the initiation of ART [2].

Therefore, TB is currently becoming a major cause of mortality among patients with HIV even after successful initiation of HAART [9]. According to 2018 WHO report, out of 1.3 million deaths due to TB in 2017, there were 300,000 deaths from TB among HIV-positive people [1].

It has been reported that, in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia, the incidence of tuberculosis in adults receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy is higher than in HIV-negative adults [1]. Ethiopia is also among high TB/HIV burden countries with over 10% TB/HIV coinfection rate [3]. Evidences show that there is an increment of active TB in HIV patient on HAART follow-up in Ethiopia. TB-HIV sentinel surveillance of 2013 shows that TB prevalence was 7.8% among HIV-positive clients [7]. However, TB prevalence among PLWHIV was raised to 9.1% in 2015. TB prevalence among PLWHIV varies among different regions of the country ranging from 5.0% in Afar to 14.2% in Harar [8].

Several studies were conducted in the country on TB prevalence and its associated factors among HIV patients. However, there are limited studies on determinants of TB occurrence among HIV patients after ART initiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify determinants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, using a case-control study design.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area and Period

The study was conducted in West Showa Zone selected hospitals, Oromia regional state of Ethiopia, from February to June, 2019. According to the 2007 census of Ethiopia, the total population of the West Showa zone was estimated to 2,058,676, of which 1,028,501 are males and 1,030,175 are females. In this zone, there are 520 health posts, 92 health centres, and 7 hospitals. This study was conducted in three public hospitals randomly selected from seven hospitals in the administrative zone. These selected hospitals include Ambo General Hospital, Gudar Hospital, and Incini Hospital. There were 4750 adult HIV clients attending in these selected hospitals in which there were 750 in Gudar Hospital, 3000 in Ambo General Hospital, and 1000 in Incini Hospital.

2.2. Study Design

Institution-based multicentred unmatched case-control study design was used.

2.3. Source Population

All adult HIV patients on ART clinic were followed up in West Showa Zone hospitals.

2.4. Study Population

Adult HIV patients on ART clinic were followed up in selected West Showa Zone hospitals during the study period.

2.5. Cases and Controls Inclusion Criteria

2.5.1. Cases Inclusion Criteria

Cases who met the following eligibility criteria were included:

(i)Patients who were willing to participate in the study(ii)Patients who were ≥18 years old(iii)Patients who were free from TB at the start of ART but developed TB after ART initiation

2.5.2. Case Exclusion Criteria

Cases were excluded with the following criteria:

(i)Patients who were unable to give informed consent or follow interview because of serious illness or other reasons(ii)Patients who were transferred out to other ART clinics(iii)Patients whose medical record has incomplete information(iv)Patients who were lost to follow-up

2.5.3. Control Inclusion Criteria

Controls were included with the following eligibility criteria:

(i)Patients who were willing to participate in the study(ii)Patients who were free from TB since the start of ART up to the end of the study period(iii)Patients who were at least 18 years old

2.5.4. Control Exclusion Criteria

Controls were excluded with the following criteria:

(i)Patients who were unable to give informed consent or follow interview because of serious illness or other reasons(ii)Patients who were transferred out to other ART clinics(iii)Patients whose medical record was incomplete(iv)Patients who were lost to follow-up

2.6. Sample Size Determination

The sample size was calculated by Open Source Epidemiologic Calculator, OpenEpi version 3.01, 2016 (available from https://www.openepi.com/SampleSize/SSCC.htm) using the following parameters: proportion of HIV/AIDS patients among controls with CD4 < 200 cells/ml of 15.7% [10], two-sided 5% significance level, power of 80%, controls to cases ratio of 1 : 1, and minimum odd ratio to be detected which was 2. Accordingly, the minimum required sample size was 406 (203 cases and 203 controls). In the sample size determination, CD4 < 200 cells/ml was considered as exposure status for active TB occurrence among HIV patients after ART initiation since it was reported in most literatures for being predictor of TB.

2.7. Sampling Technique and Procedure

In the study area, 7 hospitals provide HIV care services. Out of the 7 hospitals, 3 of them were selected by simple random sampling method. Accordingly, Gudar Hospital, Ambo General Hospital, and Incini Hospital were included in this study. Then, identification of cases and controls was done from ART and TB registries in each hospital. In the three selected hospitals, there were a total of 240 cases: 30 cases in Gudar Hospital, 160 cases in Ambo General Hospital, and 50 cases in Incini Hospital. In these hospitals there were a total of 4510 controls: 720 in Gudar Hospital, 2840 in Ambo General Hospital, and 950 in Incini Hospital. Thus, required sample size (n = 406) was selected from the three selected hospitals. The number of cases and controls included in the study was determined by proportional allocation method for each hospital. Accordingly, 26 cases and 32 controls from Gudar Hospital, 135 cases and 128 controls from Ambo General Hospital, and 42 cases and 43 controls from Incini Hospital were included in this study. Since controls were adequate enough to be sampled, required number of samples from each hospital was selected by using systematic random sampling selecting every 22th (4510/203) patient on medical record lists.

2.8. Variables of the Study

2.8.1. Dependent Variable

This was the status of active tuberculosis after ART initiation.

2.8.2. Independent Variables

(i)Sociodemographic Characteristics. These were sex, age, marital status, educational status, employment status, residence, income, and family size(ii)Clinical and Immunological Characteristics. These were previous TB disease status, WHO clinical stage, CD4 level, viral load, haemoglobin level, ART regimen, IPT prophylaxis use, CTX prophylaxis use, adherence level, and functional status(iii)Environmental Factors. These were family’s previous TB history, source of energy used in the house, and ownership of separate kitchen(iv)Comorbidity. This was status of diabetic mellitus and/or asthma(v)Behavioural Characteristics. These were tobacco smoking status, alcohol drinking status, and chat chewing status.(vi)Nutritional Status. This was body mass index/MUAC

2.9. Operational Definitions

(i)Cases. These were defined as HIV/AIDS patients who had developed TB after HAART initiation(ii)Controls. These were defined as HIV/AIDS patients who were on HAART follow-up and did not develop TB until the end of the study period(iii)Functional Status. It is classified into the following:

(a)Working = able to perform usual work in or out of the house(b)Ambulatory = able to perform activities of daily living(c)Bedridden = not able to perform activities of daily living

(iv)Adherence Level Classification. It was done according to HIV Case Management in Ethiopia (Table 1) [11]

Table 1: Level of adherence of determinants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals.

Adherence level
Score (%)
Doses missed from 30 doses
Doses missed from 60 doses

Good
>95%
2 doses
<3 doses

Fair
85–94%
3–5 doses
3–9 doses

Poor
<85%
6 doses
>9 doses

2.10. Source of Data and Data Collection Instrument

Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. From primary source, data were collected by three trained nurses through interviewer administered structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, environmental factors, and behavioural characteristics of the patients. Then, information about clinical and immunological characteristics, comorbidity status, and nutritional status of the patients was taken from the secondary source (patients’ HIV medical record and TB registration book).

2.11. Statistical Data Analysis

The collected data were entered in to EpiData version 4.2, and further data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinants of active TB among PLWHIV. Variable with value ≤0.25 during bivariable analysis was considered as a candidate for the multivariable model fitting. In the multivariable logistic regression model fitting, AOR with 95% confidence interval was computed. Statistical significant test for each independent variable was set at value <0.05.

2.12. Ethical Consideration

Ethical clearance was obtained from ethical review committee of Ambo University, College Medicine, and Health Sciences. Then, permission was also obtained from the administrative body of each hospital to access the tuberculosis and ART patient’s medical record charts. Additionally verbal consent was also obtained from the study participants to confirm their willingness for participation after explaining the objective of the study. Confidentiality of the participants was maintained by not recording the information that describes the identity of the individuals.

3. Results

3.1. Sociodemographic Characteristics

In this study, a total of 406 study participants from three ART centres, 203 cases and 203 controls with response rate of 100%, were analyzed. The baseline mean age of interviewed study participants was 33.1 (SD = 8.9) for cases and 34.3 (SD = 8.1) for controls ranging between 18 and 64 years. More proportions of case and control patients were in the age group of 30–39 years comprising 79 (38.9%) and 103 (50.7%), respectively. Slightly more than half, 224 (55.2%) of the study participants were females. A majority of the study participants were Oromo ethnic group 164 (80.8%) in cases and 181 (89.2%) in controls. According to the religion of the participants, a majority of the cases 146 (71.9%) and controls 118 (58.1%) were Orthodox, while 47 (23.2%) of the cases and 78 (38.4%) of the controls were Protestant (Table 2).

Table 2: Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2019.

Sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants
Cases (n = 203)
Controls (n = 203)
Total (n = 406)

Sex
Male
90 (44.3%)
92 (45.3%)
182 (44.8%)

Female
113 (55.7%)
111 (54.7%)
224 (55.2%)

Age
<30 years
76 (37.4%)
53 (26.1%)
129 (31.8%)

30–39 years
79 (38.9%)
103 (50.7%)
182 (44.8%)

40–49 years
36 (17.7%)
33 (16.3%)
69 (10.8%)

≥50 years
12 (5.9%)
14 (6.9%)
26 (6.4%)

Ethnic group
Oromo
164 (80.8%)
181 (89.2%)
345 (85.0%)

Amhara
26 (12.8%)
22 (10.8%)
48(11.8%)

Others
13 (6.4%)
0
13 (3.2%)

Religion
Orthodox
146 (71.9%)
118 (58.1%)
264 (65.0%)

Protestant
47 (23.2%)
78 (38.4%)
125 (30.8%)

Others
10 (4.9%)
7 (3.5%)
17 (4.2%)

Education level
Not attending formal education
47 (23.2%)
58 (28.6%)
105 (25.9%)

Primary school (1–8 grades)
93 (45.8%)
91 (44.8%)
184 (45.3%)

Secondary school (9–12)
47 (23.2%)
40 (19.7%)
87 (21.4%)

Diploma or above
16 (7.9%)
14 (6.9%)
30 (7.4%)

Marital status
Single
11 (5.4%)
10 (5.0%)
21 (5.2%)

Married
137 (67.5%)
133 (65.5%)
270 (66.5%)

Divorced
30 (14.8%)
34 (16.7%)
64 (15.8%)

Widowed
25 (12.3%)
26 (12.8%)
51 (12.5%)

Residence
Urban
156 (76.8%)
155 (76.4%)
311 (76.6%)

Rural
47 (23.2%)
48 (23.6%)
95 (23.4%)

Occupation
Unemployed
129 (63.5%)
129 (63.5%)
258 (63.5%)

Government employed
26 (12.8%)
18 (8.9%)
44 (10.8%)

Self-employed
48 (23.7%)
56 (27.6%)
104 (25.6%)

Family size
1–5 people
160 (78.8%)
162 (79.8%)
322 (79.3%)

≥6 people
43 (21.2%)
41 (20.2%)
84 (20.7%)

Other ethnic groups include Tigre, Gurage, Sidama, and Wolaita; other religions include Wakefata and Muslim.

3.2. Environmental and Behavioural Characteristics, Comorbidity, and Nutritional Status of the Study Participants

Among the total study participants, about 20% of the cases and 14% of the controls had family with a previous history of TB. A majority of the study participants 194 (95.6%) of cases and 199 (98.0%) of controls have had separate kitchen and both groups rarely 7 (1.7%) used kerosene as a source of energy. Khat chewing and tobacco smoking were not common in both cases and controls. Regarding alcohol drinking characteristics, 82 (40.4%) of the cases and 74 (36.5%) controls were drinkers. Comorbidity was rare in both cases and controls. In case of nutritional status, 129 (63.5%) of the cases and 130 (64.0%) the controls of the study participants have had body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25 (Table 3).

Table 3: Environmental and behavioural characteristics, comorbidity, and nutritional status of the study participants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2019.

Variables
Cases (n = 203)
Controls (n = 203)
Total (n = 406)

Environmental characteristics

    Patient’s family previous TB history
Yes
40 (19.7%)
29 (14.3%)
69 (17.0%)

No
163 (80.3%)
174 (85.7%)
337 (83.0%)

    Owned separate kitchen
Yes
194 (95.6%)
199 (98.0%)
393 (96.8%)

No
9 (4.4%)
4 (2.0%)
13 (3.2%)

    Use of kerosene as source of energy
Yes
4 (2.0%)
3 (1.5%)
7 (1.7%)

No
199 (98.0%)
200 (98.5%)
399 (98.3%)

Behavioural characteristics

    Chewing khat
Yes
14 (6.9%)
4 (2.0%)
18 (4.4%)

No
189 (93.1%)
199 (98.0%)
388 (95.6%)

    Smoking tobacco
Yes
5 (2.5%)
4 (2.0%)
9 (2.2%)

No
198 (97.5%)
199 (98.0%)
397 (97.8%)

    Drinking alcohol
Yes
82 (40.4%)
74 (36.5%)
156 (38.4%)

No
121 (59.6%)
129 (63.5%)
250 (61.6%)

Comorbidity status

    Having asthma and/or diabetes mellitus
Yes
3 (1.5%)
11 (5.4%)
14 (3.4%)

No
200 (98.5%)
192 (94.6%)
392 (96.6%)

Nutritional status

    BMI category
<18.5
72 (35.5%)
69 (34.0%)
141 (34.7%)

18.5–25
129 (63.5%)
130 (64.0%)
259 (63.8%)

>25
2 (1.0%)
4 (2.0%)
6 (1.5%)

3.3. Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of the Study Participants

From the total study participants, 134 (66%) of the cases and 76 (37.4%) of the controls had previous TB history. Among cases 68 (33.5%) of them had haemoglobin level less than 10 mg/dl while only 20 (9.9%) of the controls had haemoglobin level less than 10 mg/dl. With regard to baseline functional status, 62 (30.5%) of the cases and 43 (21.2%) of the controls were bed ridden/ambulatory. Majority of cases 144 (70.9%) were in WHO clinical stage III/IV. In contrary, only 83 (40.9%) of control groups were in WHO clinical stage III/IV. In total, 147 (72.4%) patients in cases and 85 (41.9%) of the controls had CD4+ cell count less than 200 cells/ml. 55 (27.1%) of the cases’ ART adherence level was fair/poor while only 3 (1.5%) of the controls’ ART adherence level was fair/poor. The most commonly used ART regimen was 1e, 81 (39.9%) in cases and 89 (43.9%) in controls. During ART initiation 155 (76.4%) of cases and 138 (68.0%) of controls did not use INH preventive therapy. However, majority of the cases and controls used CTX prophylaxis (Table 4).

Table 4: Clinical and immunological characteristics of the study participants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2019.

Clinical and immunological characteristics
Cases (n = 203)
Controls (n = 203)
Total (n = 406)

Patient’s previous TB history
Yes
134 (66.0%)
76 (37.4%)
210 (51.7%)

No
69 (34.0%)
127 (62.6%)
196 (48.3%)

Haemoglobin level
<10 mg/dl
68 (33.5%)
20 (9.9%)
88 (21.7%)

≥10 mg/dl
135 (66.5%)
183 (90.1%)
318 (78.3%)

Baseline functional status
Bed ridden/ambulatory
62 (30.5%)
43 (21.2%)
105 (25.9%)

Working
141 (69.5%)
160 (78.8%)
301 (74.1%)

WHO HIV/AIDS stage
Stage I/II
59 (29.1%)
120 (59.1%)
179 (44.1%)

Stage III/IV
144 (70.9%)
83 (40.9%)
227 (55.9%)

CD4 level
<200 cells/ml
147 (72.4%)
85 (41.9%)
232 (57.1%)

≥200 cells/ml
56 (27.6%)
118 (58.1%)
174 (42.9%)

Adherence level
Good
148 (72.9%)
200 (98.5%)
348 (85.7%)

Fair/poor
55 (27.1%)
3 (1.5%)
58 (14.3%)

Baseline ART regimen
d4T + 3 TC + NVP
23 (11.3%)
25 (12.3%)
48 (11.8%)

d4T + 3 TC + EFV
20 (9.9%)
16 (7.9%)
36 (8.9%)

AZT + 3 TC + EFV
44 (21.7%)
51 (25.1%)
95 (23.4%)

ZDV + 3 TC + EFV
35 (17.2%)
22 (10.8%)
57 (14.0%)

TDF + 3 TC + EFV
81 (39.9%)
89 (43.9%)
170 (41.9%)

Used IPT prophylaxis
Yes
48 (23.6%)
65 (32.0%)
113 (27.8%)

No
155 (76.4%)
138 (68.0%)
293 (72.2%)

Used CTX prophylaxis
Yes
200 (98.5%)
188 (92.6%)
388 (95.6%)

No
3 (1.5%)
15 (7.4%)
18 (4.4%)

3.4. Bivariable and Multivariable Analysis of Factors Associated with TB Infection after ART Initiation

Bivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify potential determinants of TB infection after ART initiation. The results of bivariable logistic regression show that patient’s previous TB history, baseline functional status, WHO clinical stage, haemoglobin level, CD4 cell level and adherence level, patient’s family previous TB history, and IPT prophylaxis were selected as candidates for multivariable model.

However, during multivariable logistic regression, five independent variables patient’s previous TB history, haemoglobin level, CD4 level, adherence level, and WHO clinical stage remained significant determinants of TB infection after ART initiation. This implies that the odd for an HIV patient on ART treatment to develop TB was related to these five independent variables. The odds of having previous TB history are 2.411 times (AOR = 2.411; 95% CI: 1.492, 3.895; value < 0.001) higher among cases than in controls; this shows that having previous TB history is positively associated or statistically significant with occurrence of TB among HIV patients after ART initiation. Similarly, the odds of HIV patients whose haemoglobin level is less than 10 mg/dl were nearly 4 (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.981, 6.791; value < 0.001) times higher among cases than in controls. This implies that having haemoglobin level less than 10 at baseline is statistically positively associated with occurrence of active TB after starting ART treatment in HIV patients. And also, the odds of HIV patients with CD4 cells count < 200 were about 2 (AOR = 2.023; 95% CI: 1.244, 3.290; value = 0.004) times higher among cases than in controls. This shows that lower CD4 less than 200 is statistically positively associated with occurrence of active TB in HIV patients after ART initiation. The odds of being on adherence level of fair/poor were 19 (AOR: 19.002; CI: 5.590, 64.593; value < 0.001) times higher among cases than in controls showing that being on adherence level of fair or poor was significantly associated with development of active tuberculosis among HIV patients on ART. In addition, the odds of having WHO clinical stage III/IV at start of ART were also 3 (AOR: 2.579; CI: 1.591, 4.179; value < 0.001) times higher among cases than in controls; this implies that advanced WHO clinical stage is statistically significantly associated with occurrence of TB among HIV patients after ART initiation (Table 5).

Table 5: Multivariable logistic regression analysis of significant determinants of TB infection after ART initiation in public hospitals of West Showa Zone, 2019.

Variables
Cases
Controls
COR (95% CI)
AOR (95% CI)
value

Patient’s previous TB history
Yes
134
76
3.25 (2.16, 4.87)
2.41 (1.49, 3.90)
<0.001

No
69
127
1
1

Haemoglobin level
<10 g/dl
68
20
4.61 (2.67, 7.96)
3.67 (1.98, 6.79)
<0.001

≥10 g/dl
138
183
1
1

CD4 level
<200 cells/ml
147
85
3.64 (2.41, 5.52)
2.02 (1.24, 3.29)
0.004

≥200 cells/ml
56
118
1
1

Adherence level
Fair/poor
55
3
24.78 (7.60, 80.73)
19.0 (5.59, 64.59)
<0.001

Good
148
200
1
1

WHO clinical stage
Stage III/IV
144
83
3.53 (2.34, 5.33)
2.58 (1.59, 4.18)
<0.001

Stage I/II
59
120
1
1

¹Reference category.

4. Discussion

Tuberculosis is a major public health concern globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is also the most common presenting illness among people living with HIV, including those who are taking antiretroviral treatment [2, 3]. To prevent and control TB infection among HIV patients following ART this study was aimed at identifying determinants of active tuberculosis occurrence among adult HIV-positive patients after ART initiation in West Showa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia.

The result of this study showed that patients’ previous history of tuberculosis was an independent determinant for the occurrence of active tuberculosis. Patients who have previous history of TB were nearly two times more likely to develop TB compared to those who did not have previous TB history. Similar findings were reported from previous studies done on similar topic in Iran and Abidjan sub-Saharan Africa [12–14]. Thus, having previous TB history increases the risk of developing TB for HIV patient on ART treatment. This might be due to the recurrence of the tuberculosis bacterium when the patient condition is not good or when the patient’s immunity is compromised.

Another independent determinant factor of active tuberculosis was advanced WHO clinical stage (III or IV); patients with WHO stage III or IV have higher risk of developing TB than those with WHO stage I or II. This result is consistent with other studies done in Tanzania, Nigeria, India, and South Africa [15–18], and similar results were also reported from studies conducted in our country Ethiopia [2, 5]. This result suggests that patients who had advanced WHO clinical stage (III or IV) might be immune-compromised and predisposed to TB easily or acquire tuberculosis more than others.

In addition, patients having haemoglobin level of <10 mg/dl were at higher risk of developing TB than those having haemoglobin level ≥10 mg/dl similar to other study findings done in Nigeria [16]. This might be due to iron deficiency’s association with decreased cellular immunity, which may predispose HIV patients with lower haemoglobin level to risk of developing tuberculosis.

This study result indicated that CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm³ substantially increased the risk of developing TB in people living with HIV. This finding is in line with several other research results done in Ethiopia, in different African countries, and in Europe as well as North America [5, 10, 12, 15–17, 19–21]. The reason could be as the CD4 decreases, viral load increases and WHO clinical stage advances. Studies done in Germany and Nigeria reported that increased viral load is risk factor for TB occurrence [16, 21]. Therefore, lower CD4 cell counts increase the risk of developing TB for HIV patients following ART.

A study has reported that poor ART adherence level has an association with the occurrence of TB among PLHIV [16]. This study finding also confirmed the existence of significant association between ART adherence level and occurrence of TB. The odd of the case patients being on fair/poor ART adherence level was 19 times greater than control patients. Therefore, fair/poor ART adherence level is significantly associated with TB occurrence among PLHIV. The reason could be the following: if patients do not take ART medication with good adherence, their viral load increases. As a consequence, patients whose viral load is not suppressed most likely develop TB due to their compromised immune.

According to this study result behavioural characteristics such as drinking alcohol, chewing khat, and smoking tobacco were not associated with occurrence of TB in PLHIV which is in line with case-control study conducted in Addis Ababa regarding smoking [2]. However, previous studies done in Addis Ababa and Arba Minch show that alcohol drinking and chat chewing were associated with occurrence of TB among people living with HIV after ART initiation [2, 4]. This difference might be due to low prevalence of patients with these behaviours in this study and also there could be a social desirability bias whereby participants denied their behavioural status.

Previously, a study done in Burkina Faso shows that overcrowding was associated with TB occurrence after ART initiation in PLWH [14]. However, in this study, overcrowding was not associated with occurrence of TB which is in line with study done in Addis Ababa [2]. This might be because of the reason that majority of this study participants (79.3%) were living in the household with 5 or less people. Therefore, the effect of overcrowding in this particular study cannot be seen.

Similarly, in previous study done in Addis Ababa, using kerosene in the house for source of energy was associated with TB occurrence among people living with HIV after ART initiation [2]. However, this was not the case in this study since only 1.7% of the study participants used kerosene for source of energy. Therefore, in this study, with this rare prevalence of kerosene use it is impossible to investigate its association with TB occurrence after ART initiation among PLHIV.

4.1. Limitations of the Study

(i)With a case-control study design that we used, we cannot measure TB incidence among PLHIV. Thus, further study could be done using cohort study design to measure TB incidence.(ii)Due to incomplete data, some study subjects were excluded from the study that might alter the finding of this study.(iii)Patients who were transferred out to other health centres were excluded from the study. If these patients have different characteristics, the study findings can possibly be altered.(iv)In Ethiopia, ART services are provided at hospitals and health centres. However, due to financial constraints, we could not include health centres that can possibly have patients with different characteristicscompared to patients in our study. Therefore, future research should be carried out widening the scope of the study to the lower level health services to validate the findings.

5. Implications of the Study

Different stakeholders such as government, health professions, researchers, and community will be benefitted from findings of this study.

First, findings of the study will provide information for the policy makers to develop strategies and guidelines for scaling up prevention of TB in PLHIV to address TB-HIV comorbidity and mortality. Second, the results of this study are important for health professionals working on ART clinic to build up knowledge on the areas in order to provide health education and awareness creation about TB prevention and control among PLHIV. They can also use the findings for prioritizing TB screening among PLHIV. Third, the findings of this study will contribute to the strategies of improving quality of life and well-being of PLHIV. Lastly, the findings ofthis study will help researchers interested in the field by providing information regarding determinants of TB among PLHIV in the study area.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

6.1. Conclusion

In conclusion, in this study having previous TB history, low haemoglobin level, low CD4 count, fair/poor adherence level to ART, and WHO clinical disease stage III/IV were identified as significant determinants for the occurrence of active tuberculosis among people living with HIV/AIDS following ART.

6.2. Recommendations

Based on the main findings of this study, the following recommendations were forwarded to the hospitals in the administrative zone to reduce TB burden among HIV patients on ART.

(i)Early HIV/AIDS screening program and early initiation of ART should be targeted(ii)Early haemoglobin level screening for HIV patient should be done to recommend intervention(iii)Special emphasis should be given to HIV patients who have previous TB history(iv)Awareness should be given to HIV patients about importance of good adherence level to ART

Abbreviations

AIDS: | Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AOR: | Adjusted odds ratio
ART: | Antiretroviral therapy
COR: | Crude odds ratio
CPT: | Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy
HAART: | Highly active antiretroviral therapy
HIV: | Human immunodeficiency virus
IPT: | Isoniazid preventive therapy
MUAC: | Mid-upper arm circumference
PLHIV: | People living with human immunodeficiency virus
SPSS: | Statistical Package for Social Sciences
TB: | Tuberculosis
WHO: | World Health Organization.

Data Availability

Data used to support the findings of this research can be obtained upon request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no potential conflicts of interest to disclose in this study.

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to the selected hospitals’ managers who allowed us to conduct this study.

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