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Abstract
Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) commonly arises as HIV related nerve complication. The study made attempts to assess the underlying factors leading to peripheral neuropathy, the disabling effects of peripheral neuropathy on a patient’s life quality and measures which can be implemented to prevent or lessen the burdening effects of these neuropathies. A descriptive design was adopted where cross-sectional data targeting a sample of 100 consenting adult HIV/AIDS clients were collected utilizing structured questionnaires as key instruments of data collection. In this study variables such as age, height, the past and current CD4 lymphocytes, the viral load, the average duration of antiretroviral treatment (ART), use and the presence of certain co-infection, diabetes or alcohol abuse were analyzed to determine their effects of occurrence of peripheral neuropathy. Fifty eight percent (58%) of the clients were classified to be having neuropathic as compared 42% who did not have neuropathic pain. Duration of diagnosis with HIV and previous CD4 count did not significantly determine the occurrence of neuropathic pain. Viral load at time of diagnosis with HIV; nutritional uptake and HAART regimen significantly contribute to occurrence of PN among HIV/AIDS clients. There was no significant association between cases of peripheral neuropathy and demographic factors such as age, gender, height of the respondents and level of education. Clients with peripheral neuropathy were not receiving adequate health talks on peripheral neuropathy. Effect of PN on physical activity was observed. There is need for providing both medical and palliative treatment to HIV/AIDS patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy.
Highlights
The proportion of patients with peripheral neuropathy is high among patients living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)/AIDS as realized in this study
Among the HIV patients it was observed that having high viral load predisposes a client to later occurrence of peripheral neuropathy
These findings are consistent with Symth et al, (2007) in a study conducted in Australian outpatient clinic which showed that the prevalence of HIV-sensory neuropathy was high among HIV patients
Summary
Countries across the globe have experienced HIV related burden on their economies and health systems, especially in Africa characterized by high prevalence rates. CD4 T-cells are progressively depleted by HIV enhancing the likelihood of opportunistic infections. These infections directly lead to AIDS mortalities and morbidities. Treatment of these infections has minimized mortality rates even before the era of usage for HAART. HIV related mortality has continuously occurred even after ARTs. Many patients who have failed to adhere to drug schedules, have suffered consequences of drug toxicity while others acquired a drug resistant strain of HIV-1. Morbidity and mortality of patients due to Opportunistic Infections (OI) have continued to occur despite the usage of ART [1]
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