Prevalence and risk factors associated with low CD4 count (<200 cells/µl) among HIV patients attending the ART clinic at Arua regional Referral hospital in Arua district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2302Keywords:
HIV, CD4 count, Antiretroviral therapy (ART), Immunosuppression, Opportunistic infections, Arua Regional Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Low CD4 count (<200 cells/µl) is a critical indicator of advanced HIV disease and is associated with increased risk of opportunistic infections and mortality. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with low CD4 count among HIV patients attending the ART clinic at Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 HIV-positive patients selected through random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, patient records, and interviews. CD4 counts were determined using flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Microsoft Excel, employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, and associations between variables were assessed.
Results:
The prevalence of low CD4 count was high at 66.0%. The majority of participants were male (56.4%), aged 28–35 years (40.6%), married (67.3%), and residing in rural areas (72.3%). Significant risk factors associated with low CD4 count included having multiple sexual partners (77.2%), longer duration of HIV infection (>3 years) (48.5%), and undernutrition. A proportion of participants had co-morbid conditions such as syphilis (18.8%) and diabetes mellitus (29%). Although most participants (94.1%) were on ART, delayed initiation and poor adherence were suspected contributors to low CD4 levels.
Conclusion:
The study revealed a high prevalence of low CD4 count among HIV patients, indicating persistent challenges in early diagnosis, timely treatment initiation, and adherence to ART. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors significantly contribute to immune suppression among patients.
Recommendations:
Strengthening early HIV testing, improving ART adherence, and enhancing community awareness are essential. Nutritional support, routine screening for co-infections, and targeted interventions addressing high-risk behaviors should be prioritized to improve immune outcomes among HIV patients.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Feni Franklin, Anthony Isaiah Ssekitoleko, Hasifa Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba , Jane Frank Nalubega
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