Abstract

Renal dysfunction is a significant global health issue, with varying prevalence across populations. In Africa, 2 to 41% of the general population and 11 to 25% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) experienced renal dysfunction in 2022. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of renal dysfunction among HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the Buea Regional Hospital. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, involving HIV-positive individuals visiting the hospital during the study period. Renal markers were quantified using spectrophotometry, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation: eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with Chi-square tests (χ²) and logistic regression applied to identify significant associations. The association between the dependent variable and each independent variable was investigated using Chi-square (χ²). All variables that were significant and those variables known in literature to be associated with renal dysfunction were included in the logistic regression. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. A total of 218 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 44.6 years; 69.7% were female. The prevalence of renal dysfunction was found to be 33.9%. Hypertension, overweight body mass index (BMI), and ART regimen were identified as significant predictors of renal dysfunction. The study highlights a concerning prevalence of renal dysfunction among HIV patients, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address this health issue.

Key words: Prevalence, renal dysfunction, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens, glomerular filtration rate.