Bereket Abraha Molla¹, Dawit Kebede Hulka², Amsalu Bekele Binegdie², Zekarias Seifu Ayalew¹, Gebeyehu Tessema Azibte^1,, Tseganesh Mokonnen Hailemariam³, Mahader Nigussie Wosene³, Meron Y. Berhane³, Mahlet A. Mechesa³, Selome Berhanu³, Genet Hagos Woldemichael³

Background: While HIV patients live longer, they can develop non-HIV-related health issues. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a concern, but data on COPD in HIV patients in Ethiopia is limited. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with COPD among people living with HIV(PLWH) attending the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Participants underwent screening for COPD using a structured questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and HIV/AIDS-related information. Postbronchodilator spirometry was performed with COPD defined per the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria (FEV1/FVC) ratio < 0.7. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, and factors related to COPD were explored using logistic regression models. Results: Most participants were female (69%) and urban residents (99%). While smoking prevalence was low (9.9%), 66.7% reported exposure to biomass fuel. Chronic respiratory symptoms were common (dyspnea: 39.9%, chronic cough: 22.5%, phlegm: 14.1%, wheezing: 4.2%). COPD prevalence was 4.7% (10/213). Self-reported chronic cough (AOR=4.4, p=0.045) and smoking history (AOR=8.5, p=0.031) were associated with COPD. Conclusion: This study found a high burden of respiratory symptoms but a low prevalence of COPD in PLWH on ART. Chronic cough and smoking were associated with COPD in PLWH.

HIV, COPD, spirometry, Smoking