Assessing the Level of Oral Manifestations in HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Kintampo Municipal Hospital

Israel P. Gamba, Emmanuel K. Amponsah, Michael A. Yelibora, Angela-Ruth Buabeng, David A. Ayim

Oral Manifestations, Oral Health Quality of Life, People Living with HIV/AIDS, Antiretroviral Therapy

One of the early symptoms of HIV infection are the oral lesions, which may predict the progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These lesions are considered to affect the individual's productivity and general quality of life. This research examined the prevalence of oral manifestations in HIV-infected patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinic at the Kintampo Municipal Hospital in the Bono East Region of Ghana. The prevalence of oral manifestations among the study participants was 11.95%. Gingivitis recorded the highest prevalence (6.10%). The odds ratios for gender against all the predisposing factors were all greater than one, showing that the factors had a possibility of predisposing the respondents to oral manifestations. Consumption of medications and lifestyle had a statistically significant relation with oral lesions with values (c²=12.941, P-value=0.01) and the relationship between lifestyle and the presence of oral lesions (c²=48.375, P-value=0.000) respectively.  With the effect on the quality of life, 26.70% of the population complained of pain and discomfort.  The study recommends that routine oral health care be added to HIV infected individuals’ line of treatment with regular oral health education. Lastly, it is recommended that further studies be conducted into oral manifestation among HIV infected individuals using a longitudinal study. This would increase understanding of the subject matter and inform proper policy decisions.

https://doi.org/10.31871/WJRR.21.2.7