AEGiS-15IAC: HIV/TB perception among dense populations in Bangkok, Thailand.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

HIV/TB perception among dense populations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrD1207)

Rhucharoenpornpanich O, Tadashi Y, Sirinak C, Lewluck W, Thanarujiwong U, Lewluck C, Chaiposri P, Rodraksa T
AIDS Control Division, Department of Health, BMA, Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15,000 people in Bangkok develop tuberculosis (TB) annually. TB cases have sharply increased with the HIV epidemic and most cases live in crowded communities. Therefore, it is critical to strengthen programs that combat the dual infection among these populations. This study investigated TB perceptions among these communities and recorded suspected TB cases based on respondents, self-reports.

METHODS: A total of 398 respondents aged 15-49 years were recruited from 12 communities in Bangkok using multi-cluster random sampling for household selection. Self -Administered questionaires were conducted regarding perceptions about TB. Self-reported signs and symptoms relating to TB were investigated.

RESULTS: Knowledge of TB was rather low. Nearly 40% of respondents had never heard of TB and 55% of those ever hearing of TB were pessimistic that it was terrible and fatal. Over 70% had no idea what caused TB and less than half of respondents understood that HIV and TB were related. Reports of x-ray for suspected TB symptoms was 4.6% and was 3.8% by sputum exam, and 4.5% of respondents reported ever having TB cases in their families.

CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of TB and its association with HIV was rather limited. More health education and HIV/TB programs are necessary for better understanding of HIV/TB in these crowed communities.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Thailand, Tuberculosis, Perception, Population, Infection, Disease Outbreaks, Health Education, Research, Humans

040711
TuOrD1207