Mortality and Associated Factors Among HIV/TB Co-infected Patients Under ART Clinic in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, 2023

<i>Background</i>: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern globally, especially among HIV-positive individuals. The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mortality among HIV/TB co-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. <i>Methods</i>: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted at Dilchora Referral Hospital among 434 HIV/TB co-infected patients enrolled in ART from January 2008 to January 2023. Standardized checklist was used for data collection and taken from patient’s medical cards and database system. Binary logistic regression was used to identify baseline factors associated with mortality. <i>Results</i>: The study found a mortality rate of 31% among HIV/TB co-infected patients. Factors such as WHO clinical stage III (AOR: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.03, 28.34) and WHO clinical stage IV (AOR: 11.3, 95% CI: 3.5, 36.34) and underweight and overweight body mass index were (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.35, 4.83) and (AOR: 21.4, 95% CI: 8.24, 55.5), poor ART adherence (AOR: 4.24, 95% CI: 2.25, 7.98), alcohol consumption (AOR: 3.15, 95%: 1.69, 5.87), and smoking (AOR: 4.12, 95% CI: 2.32, 7.29) were associated with increased odds of mortality. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study underscores the importance of identifying and addressing baseline factors that contribute to mortality in HIV/TB co-infected patients. Interventions targeting factors like clinical staging, adherence to ART, and lifestyle habits could help reduce mortality rates in this population.