Prevalence of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV in Osogbo, Osun State

Abstract

This study aims to identify common opportunistic infections and their prevalence among people living with HIV in Osogbo, Osun state, who are receiving treatments for the HIV virus, which has spread widely. A mixed study design was employed, including a hospital-based retrospective study and a Key Informant Interview. The retrospective study involved 280 HIV patients at State Specialists Hospital Asubiaro SSHA Osogbo, Nigeria, and collected socio-demographic, opportunistic infection diagnosis, and viral load test results. The study also included a Key Informant Interview with six health workers in the HIV care unit. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study reveals that the majority of People Living with HIV are females (77.1%), with 69% unemployed and 28.6% employed. Most are married (82.5%). In 2020, 58.2% achieved viral suppression, while in 2021, 65.7% and 69% achieved it. Common opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, pruritus, oral candidiasis, and herpes zoster. The prevalence of opportunistic infections decreased from 9.0% to 7.6% between January 2020 and May 2022. The prevalence of opportunistic infections in the study was low, which is due to the high preventive measures employed by the health workers in the hospital. Hence adherence to HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) medications helps to maintain healthy living for People living with HIV.