# Impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate and associated factors among adult patients living with HIV at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly 19% of HIV patients in Ethiopia had impaired kidney function, with risk factors including age over 40, smoking, and certain health conditions.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data and identifies specific risk factors for impaired kidney function in HIV patients in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 18.7% of HIV patients had impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate.
- Age over 40, smoking, opportunistic infections, diabetes, and hypertension were significant risk factors.
- Targeted screening is recommended for high-risk groups to preserve renal function.

## Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a multisystem disorder with significant renal involvement. In Ethiopia, limited data exist on the prevalence of impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate among patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Identifying associated factors is critical for implementing targeted interventions to preserve renal function.

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 adult patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus from October 1 to December 30, 2024 at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with impaired glomerular filtration rate (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73m2).

The prevalence of impaired glomerular filtration rate was 18.7% (95% CI: 14.0–23.0). Factors significantly associated with impaired glomerular filtration rate included age > 40 years (AOR = 3.26; 95%CI: 1.17–9.12), history of smoking (AOR = 4.68; 95% CI: 1.87–11.70), opportunistic infections (AOR = 5.93; 95% CI: 2.23–15.74), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.47–10.12) and hypertension (AOR = 2.71; CI: 1.07–6.82).

The study found that around 19% of the studied population had impaired glomerular filtration rate. Targeted screening for kidney disease should focus on individuals older than 40years, smokers and those with opportunistic infections, diabetes mellitus or hypertension.