HIV PREVALENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-PERCEIVED RISK OF HIV INFECTION AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN SERBIA

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HIV infection among TB patients, knowledge, self-perceived risks and testing practices related to HIV. Methods: We performed cross-sectional study from 10 May to 15 July 2011. Cluster sampling method was used to select 27 hospitals where 289 TB patients were consecutively recruited. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to identify the factors associated with correct comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Results: HIV prevalence among TB patients was 0.3%. Only 25.2% of the respondents presented comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The percentage of correct answers to all questions related to knowledge about HIV/AIDS increases with educational status (chi(2) =5.42; p <0.05) and decreases with the age of respondents (chi(2) =8.53; p >0.05). The independent predictors of correct comprehensive knowledge were living without partner (OR= 4.45; CI = 1.59-12.95) and self-awareness of HIV risk (OR= 4.43; CI =1.20-16.52). Conclusion: HIV prevalence among TB patients is higher than among general population in Serbia. The level of comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS is low. There is a need for continuous implementation of public health strategy to successfully manage HIV and HIV/TB co-infection in Serbia.