Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Heroin Addicts in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Narcotic Clinics

Abstract

Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Heroin Addicts in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Narcotic Clinics

Kovit Yongvanitjit MD

Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Division, Health Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics, the rate of pulmonary TB, HIV prevalence and factors associated with pulmonary TB among heroin addicts.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Subjects: A total of 622 heroin addicts attending narcotic clinics of Health Department, BMA during October 2005 to March 2006 were enrolled.

Method: Data from all records of heroin addicts at 18 narcotic clinics of Health Department, BMA were collected and analyzed.

Main outcome measure: Numbers and morbidity rate of pulmonary TB and HIV prevalence among heroin addicts. HIV prevalence among heroin addicts with pulmonary TB.

Result: There were 564 males (90.7%) and 58 females (9.3%). The average age was 34.7 ± 8.6 year. (15-67 year). According to the diagnosis of pulmonary TB, 507 from 622 clients (81.5%) received chest x-ray, 19 from 507 clients (3.8%) were diagnosed of pulmonary TB and 8 from 507 clients (1.58%) had positive for AFB. For HIV study, 477 clients (76.7%) received HIV voluntary counseling and testing and 196 (41.1%) were HIV positive. From 19 heroin addicts with pulmonary TB, 13 clients (76.5%) were HIV + ve. HIV infection was significantly associated with pulmonary TB among heroin addicts (p-value < 0.05). Age, marital status, education, career, treatment history, period of heroin usage and past history of treatment were not associated with pulmonary TB.

Conclusion: High pulmonary TB rate was found among heroin addicts in Bangkok. The crude pulmonary TB rate and pulmonary TB with positive AFB were 3.8% (all type) and 1.6%. HIV infection was the only significant risk factor for pulmonary TB in this study.

Vajira Med J 2007 ; 51 : 95 - 101