FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AMONG HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC (CCC) AT MBAGATHI DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

The persistence of HIV/AIDS as a significant global health concern is particularly pronounced in developing nations, where 35 million people are affected, with 70% residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Annually, 2.1 million new infections emerge, translating to 5,700 daily cases. Sub-Saharan Africa experiences a staggering 1.1 million AIDS-related deaths each year, underscoring the imperative to manage Opportunistic Infections (OIs) among HIV/AIDS patients.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of OIs within HIV/AIDS patients attending the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) at Mbagathi District Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2019 at MDH CCC, a facility catering to outpatient care and serving as a referral center for OIs in HIV/AIDS patients in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study enrolled 196 HIV-positive patients aged 18 and above. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, following ethical approval from KNH/UON. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and regression analysis, identified significant predictors. Females (62.4%) and individuals aged 36-50 years (69.6%) experienced a higher prevalence of OIs. The divorced/separated demographic exhibited the highest prevalence at 75.8%. Tuberculosis emerged as the predominant infection (41.5%), particularly affecting those with two to five sexual partners (75%). Significant associations were established with age group (p=0.003), income (p=0.0001), and treatment duration (p=0.041).

OIs exhibited a higher prevalence among females and individuals aged 36-50 years. Education and income were correlated with tuberculosis, the most prevalent infection, especially in patients with diminished CD4+ T-cell counts. Other factors associated with increased risk of opportunistic infections include alcohol intake, drugs abuse, failure to use protection during sex, low socioeconomic status, treatments duration and age of the participants. Addressing these factors is paramount for effective HIV/AIDS management and public health interventions. This can be achieve through an enhanced mutual working relationship among stakeholders in the health sector through health education, improvement of primary healthcare and enhanced prevention, treatment and management of Opportunistic Infections.