Incidence of tuberculosis in children on antiretroviral therapy: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: Be aware of the burden of tuberculosis among high-risk population is important. Three hundred fifty-two children were participated in this study. Survival analysis was conducted. We assessed the incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors in children on ART. RESULTS: Tuberculosis incidence rate in children on ART was 2.63 per 100 person-years. Those children who were on baseline World Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 (AHR (adjusted hazard ratio) = 3.0; 95% CI 1.2–7.7), “fair” and “poor” ART adherence (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5–10.8), late initiation of ART (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5–10.6), and less than 6 months duration on ART (AHR = 5.5; 95% CI 1.5–20.6) were more likely to develop tuberculosis infection. The incidence rate of TB in children on ART was high. This study suggests a need to give attention to advanced AIDS stages and improve timely initiation of ART and level of adherence to ART.