Predictors of intestinal parasite infection among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, 2016: a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: intestinal parasitic infection has been reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to interruption in treatment of the defaulting HIV patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and possible causes of intestinal parasites among HIV patients on ART. METHODS: a survey involving 375 adult HIV/AIDS patients selected using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted in a Jos University Teaching hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic and clinical data was collected using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and electronic dataset review. Fresh stool samples were collected from all participants for laboratory identification of intestinal parasites using formol-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Descriptive statistics, odds ratio and logistic regression model were computed at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: the mean age of the study participants was 41.6±9.3years. Majority 294 (78.4%) were females, 141 (37.6%) lived in the rural area, 50 (13.3%) respondents did not have toilets in their homes. Most 275 (73.3%) had ART adherence level of 95% and above. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 28.5%. Females (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI=1.12 – 3.89) and participants with no toilet facilities (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI=1.03 – 3.94) were significantly more likely to have intestinal parasites. CONCLUSION: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was high among HIV patients. Gender and unavailability of toilet in homes were found to be predictors of having parasites. We recommend that HIV patients should be periodically screened for IPs during the follow-up clinic visits.