Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most potent opportunistic infection and a leading cause of death among Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV), particularly in sub-Saharan African and Asian countries, where it is highly prevalent. Knowing the TB status of an HIV client is very important and is considered an entry point for comprehensive HIV treatment and care. However, the knowledge and attitude of PLHIV to TB prevention are critical to the risk of TB infection and death. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude to TB prevention among PLHIV in Lagos State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study used a multi-stage sampling technique to select respondents in Lagos State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from PLHIV to ascertain their knowledge and attitudes on TB prevention from December, 2017 to June, 2018. Of the 606 respondents interviewed, 220 (36.3%) are males while 386 (63.7%) are females. Majority (40.4%) of the respondents were aged 28 to 37 years and 36.1% had tertiary education. Overall, 411 (67.8%) had sufficient knowledge of TB, while 423 (69.8%) had a positive attitude to TB prevention practices. Age, gender, and level of education were associated with sufficient knowledge and attitude towards TB prevention. The general knowledge of TB prevention was high among PLHIV in Lagos. The respondents aged 38 years and above had a more positive attitude to TB prevention measures. Those with secondary and tertiary education showed a high level of TB prevention knowledge and attitude.

Key words: Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), tuberculosis (TB) prevention, knowledge, attitude, practice.