Socio-demographic and Clinical profile of HIV-TB co-infected adults and its association with tuberculosis treatment outcome, registered in various ART centres of Gujarat State

Background: World's top most deadly infectious diseases are HIV and TB. TB-HIV co-infection results in more mortality rates. India is at 2nd number in comparison of estimated HIV associated TB cases. Objectives: To know about HIV-TB co-infected patients' socio-demographic and clinical profiles and establish links between these factors and treatment outcome. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out, from 1st July 2017 to 31st October 2018, on HIV-TB co-infected adults residing in 30 Talukas of Gujarat state, by interview method using a questionnaire. The selection of talukas was made by the cluster sampling method. Results: The majority of the 211 HIV-TB co-infected adults studied were males (74%) and belonging to age ranged 21-50 years, representing the most socioeconomically productive segment of the population. Most came from lower socio-economic stratum (78%), and the majority were educated only till primary school (60%). The majority of patients were presented with one symptom of 4s complex (Current cough, Fever, Weight loss and Night sweat) (83%). The most common adverse effects observed were gastrointestinal(62%). Patients having adverse effects had significantly poor outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion: TB-HIV co-infection was more common among males and the economically productive age groups. Approximately half of the patients experienced adverse effects during the treatment course, which were associated with poor treatment outcom