UTILIZATION STATUS OF ISONIAZID PREVENTIVE THERAPY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NEWLY ENROLLED HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Isoniazid preventive therapy augments anti-retroviral treatment and prevents development of latent TB infection in HIV patients. According to Addis Ababa health bureau report, the current Isoniazid preventive therapy utilization early in time among newly enrolled PLHIV in Addis Ababa is low. In addition, factors contributing to low utilization of Isoniazid preventive therapy are not well known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess utilization status of Isoniazid preventive therapy and associated factors among newly enrolled PLHIV in public health facilities of Addis Ababa. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted supplemented with qualitative study from November 13 to December 8, 2017 in Addis Ababa. The data collected at the exit of ART clinic after having consent of study participants. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to check the distribution and multi-logistic regression with 95%Cl at p<0.05 used to analyze the associated factors. Result: Eighty-four (22%) were received Isoniazid preventive therapy within three months of enrollment among 382 drug receiver. Majority 492(97.6%) were screened for TB at enrollment and 299(59.3%) hadn’t TB symptom initially. The WHO HIV clinical stage IV patients and currently not in union with their partners had positive association to receive Isoniazid drug within three months of enrollment [AOR2.99; CI(1.476, 6.079) p0.002] and [AOR7.12; CI(1.46, 34.707) p=0.15] respectively, being getting HIV care services at health center and presence of TB symptom at enrollment had negative association (AOR.148; CI(.074, .294)p<.001) and (AOR.447; CI(.24, .83)p=0.011) respectively. Fear of drug resistance and toxicity, drug stock out, and weak M&E were supplementary qualitative results for barriers to low Isoniazid drug utilization among PLHIV. Conclusion and recommendation: Utilization status of Isoniazid preventive therapy among PLHIV in public health facilities of Addis Ababa was not good. Presence of TB symptom at the beginning and Enrollment at health center were contributing factors for low Isoniazid preventive therapy utilization in addition to other supplementary factors. Advanced TB screening for PLHIV and strengthening peripheral health care system are the key area to work. Key words: TB, HIV, IPT utilization status, public health facility, Addis Ababa