Mucocutaneous Manifestations and Its Associated Factors Among Human Immunodeficiency virus-Infected Adult patients on follow up at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital ART Clinic, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Abstract Background: Skin disorders are extremely common and cause significant morbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals .These disorders are often more severe and more difficult to treat than in the immunocompetent adults. In some cases, disorders of the skin or mucous membranes may provide an early clue to the presence of adult HIV infection. Objective: The study aimed to assess mucocutaneous disorders and its associated factors among adults HIV infected patient on follow up at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital ART clinic. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from August to September 2021. A total sample of 390 adults who were on ART care were incorporated. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique and data was collected using structured questionnaire. The Data were entered in to EpiData Version 4.6 and exported in to STATA version 14 for analysis. The overall prevalence of mucocutaneous disorders was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Factors associated with mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV was assessed by conducting both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression and those variables with p value less than 0.20 were eligible for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported and model goodness of fit was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Those factors with p value less than 0.05 were declared significantly associated with mucocutaneous manifestations. Result: From 390 patients who enrolled in this study, 34.87% of participants had mucocutaneous lesions. The most common skin disorders were Xerosis (33.09%) followed by Oral candidiasis (12.50%). Anemia, decreased CD4 count and ART Regimen (1E) were found significantly associated (p value <0.05) with mucocutaneous disorders. Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations are common in HIV-positive patients. A low CD4 cell count was associated with a higher number of skin disorders. Therefore, regular skin examinations are recommended as routine HIV-infected patients’ healthcare programs. Keywords: Mucocutaneous disorder, HIV/AIDS, Skin problems