TB patients' perspectives on integrated TB/HIV services in South Africa

Abstract

There are few data describing patients' attitudes towards the integration of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected patients into existing TB services. We investigated this issue among patients receiving TB treatment at a primary care facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Of 85 patients interviewed, the vast majority (92%, n = 78) stated they would be willing to attend an integrated TB/HIV service; perceived stigmatization of TB and HIV was a significant predictor of negative attitudes towards a combined TB/HIV programme (adjusted odds ratio, 19.90, P = 0.02). While integrated TB/HIV services appear generally acceptable in this setting, continuing efforts to combat stigmatization are necessary to ensure maximum uptake.