Prevalence and determinants of low bone mineral density among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Lusaka, Zambia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is a common complication of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, there is lack of information on the factors associated with reduced BMD in people living with HIV and on ART.  We assessed the prevalence of reduced BMD and its associated determinants in people living with HIV and were on antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on people living with HIV and on ART was conducted at the largest tertiary teaching adult hospital, in Lusaka Zambia from August 1, 2019 December 31, 2020. Included in the study were participants aged between 50 and 69 years of age. A Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan was employed to assess Bone Mineral Density. Low Bone Mineral Density was defined as both osteoporosis and osteopenia. Logistic regression analysis was employed to establish determinants associated with BMD.

Results: Of the 315 participants, 43.8% were females and the median age was 55.0 years (IQR 60-51). The overall prevalence of reduced bone mineral density was 82.6% and of these, 34.0% had osteopenia and 48.6% osteoporosis. After adjusting for confounders, age 55 years and older (AOR 5.87, 95% CI 3.34-10.30, p=<0.001) was independently associated with osteoporosis while CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/mm³ (AOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.55, p=<0.001) and an increase in Body Mass Index (AOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99, p=0.008) were associated with decreased odds of osteoporosis.

Conclusions: Our study highlights a high prevalence of low Bone Mineral Density. Older age was positively associated with osteoporosis while a high CD4 count and high body Mass Index revealed a decreased odds for osteoporosis.