HIV-infected adolescent and adult perceptions of tuberculosis testing, knowledge and medication adherence in the USA

HIV-infected adolescent and adult perceptions of tuberculosis (TB) infectio n rates and physician TB behaviour, and patient knowledge of TB transmissio n and treatment adherence were assessed. HIV-infected youth (N = 199) from adolescent clinical care sites in three cities and HIV-infected adults (N = 133) in New York were interviewed. Adolescent self-report was compared to medical chart review. Adolescents reported they were significantly less lik ely to be tested although testing rates were high for both samples. Approxi mately 9% of both samples reported infection with TB; the majority of whom reported receiving medication (97%), and consistent medication adherence (9 3%). The overall mean knowledge score was 66%, with significant age differe nces: adolescents were less knowledgeable than adults, and young males tend ed to be less knowledgeable than young females. Age, gender and experience with TB (self-perception of TB, testing history and clinic choice) signific antly predicted accuracy, of knowledge about TB. Results suggest that if HI V-infected individuals-a population at very high risk and often among the l east able to afford health care resources-receive the education and support they need from their community health care sources they may substantially reduce their chances of contracting and spreading TB.