Pulmonary Function Tests and Their Associated Factors in HIV-infected Patients at Jimma Medical Center; Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundHIV-infected persons have a greater risk of developing respiratory disorders. Poor socio-economic status, High viral load, low CD4 counts, and anti-retroviral therapy are linked with the problems. Despite its high prevalence the association between retroviral infection and pulmonary function status as well as their associated factors has not yet well established in resource-scarce countries in general and study setting in particularMethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 15 of 2020 at Jimma Medical Center among HIV-positive patients and matched control group. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interview. The collected data included Socio-demographic, respiratory, retroviral infection, and substance use related. Pulmonary function tests were also conducted using SP10 spirometer. Collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-test and multiple linear regressions were carried out to identify factors independently associated with the pulmonary function status of the study participants while controlling for potential confounders.ResultsOne hundred ninety two HIV-positive patients and matched control individuals participated in the study. A mean pulmonary function test parameters among HIV-infected participants were FVC (l) (2.957±0.792, p0.006), FEV (l) (2.289±0.593, p<0.001), and PEFR (l) (4.258±2.039, p<0.001) with a significant declined in the group. Respiratory symptom, history of pulmonary TB, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and current CD4 cell count were significant predictors of pulmonary function test indices(p<0.05) in HIV infected respondents.ConclusionA significant reduction in mean pulmonary function parameters were observed among HIV-positive participants in comparison to non-RVI participants. A strong association was observed between pulmonary function status of HIV-infected patients and current CD4 count, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and history of PTB. Therefore, due consideration in screening, diagnosing, and managing noninfectious lung diseases should be given by health professionals while treating HIV-infected patients.