Anemia prevalence and associated factors in patients with HIV at Ethiopian Hospitals

Background Anemia is the most common hematologic complication in people with HIV and significantly impacts disease progression and quality of life. This study aims to determine anemia prevalence and associated factors in patients with HIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 patients aged 15 years or older with HIV. Data on socio-demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory results, and medication history were collected using a pretested questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with anemia. Results Patients’ mean age ± standard deviation was 41.2 ± 11.5 years, and 59.1% were female. The prevalence of anemia in people with HIV was 22.9% (95% CI: 18.7–27.6), of which 14.6% was mild anemia, 6.9% moderate anemia, and 1.4% severe anemia. Only completing primary level education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.35; 95% CI: 1.48–7.55), being underweight (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.10–7.75), increased viral load (AOR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.03-6.00), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration of less than 5 years (AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.03–3.71) were significantly associated with anemia. Conclusion Anemia remains a prevalent condition in people with HIV and warrants regular monitoring through routine complete blood counts (CBC), especially for those who only completed primary education, were underweight and had high viral load.