Tuberculosis and/or HIV Infection and Associated Socio-Behavioural Factors in Immigrants, in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional, Community-Based Descriptive Study

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Portugal is one of the countries in Western Europe with highest prevalence tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The among migrants estimated to be higher than non-migrants, which suggests a greater vulnerability this population. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> To describe distribution TB, HIV HIV-TB co-infection socio-behavioural factors associated immigrants that lived metropolitan area Lisbon used services Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive pilot study. An anonymous structured questionnaire developed specifically for study was applied by NGO employees duly trained purpose purposeful sample 100 attending health an Lisbon, Portugal. <b><i>Results:</i></b> extrapulmonary coinfection infection 1% (<i>n</i> = 1) 17% 17), respectively. Only 1 immigrant had 4 out 5 symptoms suggestive TB. No cases pulmonary TB were identified, although 3 reported having been treated past. participants young, mainly female some male-to-female transsexuals. Most from community Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Brazil, almost half them not regularized their immigration status. Additionally, one-fifth unemployed (17%), one-sixth performed sex work (14%). (71%) sometimes or never condom during sexual intercourse. 40% revealed using illicit drugs said they shared injection material last 12 months. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Being non-employed, low income lower level education, consumption regular tobacco common characteristics studied, points social economic disadvantages could influence risk acquiring Policies on latent diagnosis are urgently needed, aimed at vulnerable groups culturally diverse populations.