Factors affecting HIV counselling and testing among adults in Muheza District, Tanzania

HIV/AIDS is one of the major public health problems affecting people worldwide. Counselling and testing is a process by which an individual undergoes confidential counselling to enable him/her to make an informed choice about his or her HIV status and to take appropriate actions. The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting HIV counselling and testing (HCT) among adults in Muheza district in north-eastern Tanzania. A total of 394 adults were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The majority of the study participants were females (N=213; 54.1%). Most of the respondents were either in or have completed secondary education. Almost two thirds of the study population (262) was not married. Seventy one percent of all participants viewed HCT positively. A significant proportion of married (17.7%) and un-married (16.5%) participants judged HCT as not essential as it would not change the test result. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents did not consider themselves at risk and most of them (71%) were married. Importantly, 26% reported being scared of discrimination. In conclusion our study results demonstrate that only half of the study population had adequate knowledge of HCT. Being married was considered as a ‘protective’ factor in terms HIV risk which indicates a misconception. These findings underscore the importance of proper HIV counselling and testing in this community so as to bridge the knowledge gap. It further demonstrates the need to address in detail misconceptions during HIV counselling and testing

Mycobacterium intracellulare infection in non-HIV infected patient in a region with a high burden of tuberculosis.

Data on non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infection in non-HIV patients in Tanzania are scarce. However, NTM infections are emerging in Africa as in many parts of the world. Healthcare providers and physicians working in high tuberculosis incidence regions should also consider NTM as one of the differential diagnosis. A 35-year-old Tanzanian man presented with history of cough, fever, chest pain and night sweats for 4 weeks. The patient had a history of tuberculosis 4 years ago. On physical examination, there were no significant findings. Sputum smears were positive for acid fast bacilli, while Xpert MTB/RIF showed negative results. Culture and subsequent differentiation confirmed Mycobacterium intracellulare infection. With no specific national guidelines at our setting the patient received standard antituberculosis treatment and is kept under close follow-up

Chest radiography in supine position showing a change of position of the fungus ball.

<p>Chest radiography in supine position showing a change of position of the fungus ball.</p

Chest radiography showing a fungus ball with an air crescent in the right upper lobe.

<p>Chest radiography showing a fungus ball with an air crescent in the right upper lobe.</p

Factors Affecting Motivation among Key Populations to Engage with Tuberculosis Screening and Testing Services in Northwest Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

In northwest Tanzania, many artisanal small-scale miners (ASMs) and female sex workers (FSWs) live in informal communities surrounding mines where tuberculosis (TB) is highly prevalent. An active case finding (ACF) intervention to increase TB case notification was undertaken in two districts. Alongside this, a study was implemented to understand engagement with the intervention through: (1) quantitative questionnaires to 128 ASMs and FSWs, who either engaged or did not engage in the ACF intervention, to assess their views on TB; (2) qualitative interviews with 41 ASMs and FSWs, 36 community health workers (CHWs) and 30 community stakeholders. The mean perceived severity of TB score was higher in the engaged than in the non-engaged group (p = 0.01). Thematic analysis showed that health-seeking behaviour was similar across both groups but that individuals in the non-engaged group were more reluctant to give sputum samples, often because they did not understand the purpose. CHWs feared contracting TB on the job, and many noted that mining areas were difficult to access without transportation. Community stakeholders provided various recommendations to increase engagement. This study highlights reasons for engagement with a large-scale ACF intervention targeting key populations and presents insights from implementers and stakeholders on the implementation of the intervention