Predictors of anemia among a cohort of people living with HIV on anti-retroviral therapy in a southern state of India

Anemia is the most prevalent hematological complication among people living with HIV (PLHIV), and its presence can affect the disease progression and mortality. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of anemia and the factors predicting it in PLHIV on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Material and methods: In this study, 228 PLHIV who were enrolled for ART in the study period of 3 years from 2012 (February) to 2015 (February) were selected and the data from their records were used for analysis. Factors predicting anemia in PLHIV were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anemia in our study was found to be 62.2% (n = 142). The mean hemoglobin among PLHIV was 11.8 g/dl. Age below 45 years, female gender, low body mass index (BMI), smoking, consumption of alcohol, stage 3 or 4 HIV, presence of opportunistic infections, low CD4 count and low total leukocyte count were the factors found to be associated with anemia among PLHIV. On multivariate analysis, low BMI, low CD4 count and low total leukocyte count were the factors significantly predicting anemia among PLHIV. Conclussions: Anemia is a common complication seen among PLHIV. Low CD4 count, low total leukocyte count and undernutrition significantly predict anemia among PLHIV.