Background: In Sub Saharan Africa, both HIV/AIDS and anemia have considerable public health problems. Anemia has an adverse effect on treatment outcome, and it decreases the quality of life among adult HIV patients. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adult HIV positive patients in Wolaita Sodo University Teaching Referral Hospital.  

Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching Referral Hospital from October 01 to December 30, 2016. A randomly selected 411 adult people living with human immunodeficiency virus were included in the study. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Variables with P< 0.25 in bivariate logistics were taken into multivariable logistic regression analysis along with 95% confidence interval and Odds Ratio was used to examine the associations between anemia and independent variables. P value< 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Result: Prevalence of anemia in this study was 36.5% with 95% CI (32-41%). Factors associated with anemia among adult HIV patients were individuals who lived with HIV >10yrs (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: - 1.03-6.59), CD4 count <200cells/ul (AOR=4.2,95%CI: -2.03-8.67), CD4 count 200-350cells/ul (AOR=1.82 ,95%CI: -1.01-3.26), infection with intestinal parasites (AOR=2.04 95% CI: -1.06-3.95). Participants with BMI <18.5kg/m2 (AOR=2.96, 95%CI: -1.37-6.39), with BMI 18.5-25kg/m2 (AOR=1.98, 95%CI: -1.11-3.56) and being HAART naïve (AOR=2.23, 95%CI 1.16-4.28).

Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia among this study participant was high. This may affect the treatment outcome, increasing morbidity and mortality of the participants. So periodic screening of anemia, routine checkup of nutritional status, CD4 count, and examination of intestinal parasite are essential. 

Temesgen Anjulo Ageru is a dedicated Public Health Specialist and Ph.D. candidate in Public Health Research at Walailak University, Thailand. With a Master of Science in Public Health from Wolaita Sodo University and a bachelor’s in medical laboratory sciences, Temesgen has extensive experience in healthcare management, laboratory services, and public health research. He has led teams in enhancing diagnostic capabilities, disease control strategies, and emergency response, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His research contributions cover topics such as antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, and infectious diseases. He is also the founder of a local charity and a recognized leader in public health initiatives.