Anemia and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients treated with antiretroviral therapy at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and treatments given to HIV patients to reduce complications and fast disease progression, cause a series of hematological abnormalities. Anemia is among hematologic manifestations commonly observed in HIV-positive persons on treatments, initiated by multiple factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital from June to September 2021. Material and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021 among HIV-positive patients on treatment at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital. Participants were selected with a convenient sampling technique, and pre-tested structured questionnaires were used for gathering important both socio-demographic and clinical data. Blood samples

were collected for hemoglobin determination and CD4+ cell count. Data were entered using Epi-data

manager and analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences.

Results: A total of 159 HIV/AIDS patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of anemia

was observed in 51 (32.1%) patients, out of which 20 (12.6% %) were males and 31 (19.5%) were females.

Moreover, female subjects (AOR = 7.379; 95% CI: 2.369-22.985%), patients on HAART for ≤ 6 months

(AOR = 6.065; 95% CI: 2.425-15.170%), and those with body mass index of < 18.5 kg/m 2 (AOR = 5.283; 95% CI: 1.312-21.267%) were factors showing statistically significant association with anemia. Conclusions: A high prevalence of anemia was observed among patients on antiretroviral treatment. Routine screening and strict follow-up of patients on treatment are needed.