Tracing HIV Infection among high-risk Tuberculosis Patients in Hodiedah Referral Center, Yemen

Abstract

Background: HIV and tuberculosis [TB] are major public health concerns in Yemen. However, in this population, there is limited information on the prevalence of HIV infection among TB patients. This study aims to trace and describe cases of HIV infection among high-risk tuberculosis patients attending the Hodiedah referral center in Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a convenience sampling method was used to select 40 high-risk tuberculosis patients out of 164 confirmed cases. Data was collected through a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic features and clinical signs.

Results: Of 40 high-risk TB patients, only 4 tested positive for HIV, indicating a 10% prevalence. More than half [55.0%] were aged between 18 and 40 years, with the majority [57.5%] being male. Over half [57.5%] resided in urban areas, and approximately two-thirds [62.5%] had no formal education. Most participants [87.5%] belonged to a low socioeconomic status, with a monthly income of less than 50,000 Yemeni Riyals. The age group of 18–40 years had the highest frequency of HIV-positive cases [50.0%]. All HIV-positive cases occurred in males. Younger age and travel history showed higher odds of HIV positivity. Diarrhea, bone pain, and abdominal pain were associated with HIV-TB co-infection.

Conclusion: A relatively high HIV prevalence points to an urgent need to scale up integrated screening, testing, and treatment programs within existing TB clinics to address this unmet HIV/TB burden. Males, younger ages, and travel outside the country emerged as potential high-risk groups that could be prioritized for screening; incorporating symptom-based algorithms into clinical protocols may help front-line workers recognize and refer to suspected co-infection cases for testing. Larger studies are warranted to validate the findings and better inform control programs.