Proportion, types of Otological disorders and its relation with viral load among adult HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Otological disorders are among the infections a person living with human immunodeficiency virus may encounter during his lifetime due to immunosuppresion. They may be the first presentation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients hence alerting a clinician on the status of the body immunity. Limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine proportion, types of otological disorders and its relation with viral load among adult HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted over six months, August 2023 to January 2024 involving adult HIV patients aged 18 and above at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital. Questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and otological symptoms.Ear examinations was performed using an otoscope and tuning fork for hearing loss. The relation between otological disorders and viral load was analyzed using SPSS version 23 Results: This study involved 111 adult human immunodeficiency virus patients and proportion of otological disorders in the study population was found to be 48.6%, with age range of study participants from 23-73 years and median age of 47 years. Female to male ratio was 3.4:1 .The most common otological disorder observed was wax impaction 30.5% followed by otitis externa and tinnitus each with 26.4%.The least one were myringosclerosis and pre auricular swelling each 1.4%.There was a noted association between viral load and presence of otological disorder; more in the patients with 40-1000 copies/ml of viral load. Conclusion: The burden of otological disorders was observed to be 48.6% .Wax impaction was seen in 30.5% followed by otitis externa and tinnitus each with 26.4%.The least one were myringosclerosis and pre auricular swelling each with 1.4%. Elevated viral load count was found to be associated with presence of these disorders. Recommendations: Raising awareness of otological disorders among healthcare workers is vital for timely referrals to ear,nose and throat clinic. Also promoting antiretroviral therapy adherence which helps to reduce these disorders. Future research should include larger sample sizes and longer study periods to strengthen the findings.