Prevalence of Anemia among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients Accessing Healthcare in Federal Medical Center Keffi, Nigeria
Grace Rinmecit Pennap *
Microbiology Unit, Nasarawa State University Keffi, PMB 1022 Keffi, Nigeria.
Khadijah Abubakar
Microbiology Unit, Nasarawa State University Keffi, PMB 1022 Keffi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Anemia is an underestimated but important condition to reckon with among HIV infected people especially as it affects their morbidity and mortality. Aim and Objective This study was therefore aimed at determining the prevalence, burden and risk factors associated with anemia in this group.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out among 300 consenting HIV positive adults between April–August 2014. A blood sample was obtained from each participant by venipuncture and the hemoglobin concentration was determined by an auto-analyzer. The World Health Organization definition and classification of anemia toxicity and severity were used to interpret the results.
Results: An overall anemia prevalence of 64% was observed with 7.8% of them categorized as having severe anemia. The association of anemia with age, gender, CD4 counts, HAART and occupation was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The 64% prevalence of anemia reported in this study was high. There is a need for routine evaluation of HIV infected people for anemia.
Keywords: HIV, anemia, adults, prevalence, severity, Nigeria.