Levels and predictors of TB-HIV Diagnostic service linkage and testing in government hospitals of Southern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are global public health problems. TB and HIV diagnostic services linkage is imperative for the fight against the two diseases.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic service linkage and testing of TB-HIV diagnostic services and identify predictors in Public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Study subjects' socio-demographic, household and clinical variables were assessed. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of uptake of TB and HIV testing among HIV and TB patients, respectively.

Result: The level of HIV testing among TB patients was 94.4% and of TB screening among HIV patients was 90.5%. Factors that independently predict HIV testing among TB patients were Residence AOR=0.187(95% CI 0.05-0.76), being 9 grade and above AOR=13.17 (95%CI 2.67-65.03) and drinking alcohol AOR=0.03(95% CI 0.002-0.475). Likewise, being grade 9 and above AOR=6.92 (95% CI 1.75-27.4) and having chronic cough AOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.06-0.92) were predictor variables for having TB screening among HIV patients.

Conclusion: The levels of TB-HIV linkages and testing are high. Moreover, educational status is a strong predictor of TB screening among HIV patients and HIV testing among TB cases. The regional health bureau has to continue supporting its TB and HIV case teams in every health facility.