Anthropometric Indices of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)-Naïve and ART-Experienced Subjects in Kano, Nigeria

Authors

  • S. Y. Isah Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State; Department of Chemical Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria. Author
  • I. N. Ibeh Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Author
  • M. A. Emokpae Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Author
  • P. O. Anaja Department of Chemical Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria. Author
  • A. Usman Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Author
  • J. Munir University Health Services Unit, Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa state, Nigeria. Author
  • H. Labaran Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Author
  • S. Akor Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. Author

Keywords:

Anthropometric, Antiretroviral Therapy, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Kano, Pandemic

Abstract

Background: In the management of global pandemic disease like Human immunodeficiency/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), non-evasive methods of evaluation such as the use of anthropometric indices are of great significance because they serve as pointers to the disease severity or otherwise. This study was aimed at assessing the anthropometric indices of HIV virus-positive ART naïve and ART experienced subjects in Kano, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 300 subjects were recruited for this study. Two hundred (200) were HIV-infected subjects (155 on ART and 45 naïve) and 100 were healthy controls with an age range of 18-70 years. A questionnaire was administered to study participants for their biodata. Anthropometric indices such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC), Hip circumference (HC), Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were measured on the participants using standard Techniques. SPSS software package version 21.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: The results showed that a higher percentage of 56.5% was observed in HIV patients between the ages range of 18-39 years, while a lower percentage of 5.5% was observed in HIV patients of ages ≥ 60 years. Female patients had a higher percentage of 64%, while males had a lower percentage of 36% with a ratio of 1.78:1. The mean values of WC, HC, WHpR, WHtR, were significantly higher (p<0.05) in HIV patients than the controls. BMI and Weight were not statistically significant in HIV patients than the controls. The mean values of BMI, WC, HC, WHpR and WHtR were significantly higher (p<0.05) in HIV patients on ART than the naïve. However, no statistical significant in Height of HIV patients on ART compared with the naïve. There were significant (p<0.05) positive correlations between BMI with WC, HC, WHpR and WHtR in HIV patients.

Conclusion: HIV infection is more common among females than males, between the age ranges of 18-39 years. Alteration in BMI, WC, HC, WHpR and WHtR are associated with HIV patients with improved well-being when on ART, assessing the Anthropometric indices may help in this group of subject management.

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Published

2025-06-30

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles