Magnitude of peripheral sensory neuropathy and associated factors among HIV/AIDS clients receiving care at public health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background
In the mid-1990s, the development of combination antiretroviral therapy converted HIV infection into a chronic condition, with newly diagnosed patients now living longer than the general population. HIV affects both the central and peripheral nerve systems, resulting in a variety of clinical problems, including peripheral neuropathy, which is a common neurological consequence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of information on the extent of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its underlying factors in Ethiopia, necessitating this study.
Objective: The primary goal of this study is to assess the degree of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its related factors among HIV/AIDS patients in Northwest Ethiopia in the year 2020.
Methodology: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 30, 2020 at selected south Gondar zone public health institutions ART clinic. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Standardized Questioner adapted from other study was used to collect the data. Moreover, Brief Peripheral Neuropathy screening tool (BPNS) was used to assess peripheral sensory neuropathy. The data were entered with epi-data manager version 4.4 and analyzed using STATA version 16.
Result: A total of 555 adult PLHIV agreed to participate in the study, resulting in a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of Peripheral sensory neuropathy was 32.25, 95% CI (28.28, 36.26). The participant's age, DM comorbidity, viral load level, and disease clinical stage were all found to have a statistically significant relationship with peripheral sensory neuropathy. 
Conclusion: Peripheral sensory neuropathy was incredibly common. Accordingly, peripheral sensory neuropathy was found considerably associated with age, viral load level, stage of the disease, and DM comorbidity. It is vital to integrate routine peripheral sensory neuropathy screening strategies for clients who are in ART follow up for early identification and prevention of the problem. 
Keywords: Peripheral Neuropathy, associated factors, HIV/AIDS, Ethiopia