Factors associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase levels among HIV patients on HAART at Naguru Hospital in Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/tffb9t10Keywords:
Hepatotoxicity, Antiretroviral side effects, Co-infection impact, Alcohol-related liver injury, Urban health determinants, Liver enzyme abnormalities.Abstract
Background:
The study aimed to establish the factors associated with elevated ALT levels among HIV patients on HAART at Naguru Hospital in Kampala District.
Methodology:
The study utilized a cross-sectional design involving participants attending HIV care clinics. Data were collected through patient records, interviews, and laboratory investigations, including liver function tests and metabolic assessments. The prevalence of liver diseases and treatment-related adverse effects was determined. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore relationships between variables. Ethical considerations were observed by obtaining approval from relevant authorities and informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation throughout the research process.
Results:
A total of 88 participants were included. Regarding age, the largest proportion of respondents were aged 21–40 years, accounting for 46 (52.3%). This was followed by those aged 41–60 years with 18 (20.4%), and respondents aged below 20 years who constituted 11 (12.5%). The least represented age group was those aged above 61 years, with 13 (14.8%). Most respondents were single (58, 65.9%), while 20 (22.7%) were married. A smaller proportion were divorced (8, 9.1%), and 2 (2.3%) were widowed. Lifestyle was local 53.7% (22/41), intermediate 29.3% (12/41), and modernized 17.0% (7/41). Co-infection was present in 85.4% (35/41), and alcohol use in 92.7% (38/41). Age distribution among elevated ALT cases was 7.3%, 68.3%, 19.5%, and 4.9%.
Conclusion:
Many factors were found to be associated with elevated ALT levels among HIV patients, and these included, but were not limited to: residential areas, lifestyle, co-infection, alcohol consumption, and age group.
Recommendation:
The Government of Uganda, together with the health service provider, should devise means to come up with drugs that counteract the effects of HART drugs, such as liver damage.
References
Abdel-Gawad, M., Nour, M., El-Raey, F., Nagdy,
H., Almansoury, Y., & El-Kassas, M. (2023).
Gender differences in prevalence of hepatitis C
virus infection in Egypt: A systematic review and
meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 13, 2499.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29699-3
Anouti, A., & Mellinger, J. L. (2023, February).
The changing epidemiology of alcohol-associated
liver disease: Gender, race, and risk factors. In
Seminars in Liver Disease (Vol. 43, No. 01, pp.
–59). Thieme Medical Publishers.
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1760251
Marczyńska, M. (2010). Prevalence and
predictors of liver disease in HIV-infected
children and adolescents. Journal of Pediatric
Infectious Diseases, 5(2), 45–52. [Add DOI if
available]
Marczyńska, M. (2020). [Existing reference as in
your list – check journal title, volume, pages]
Namulindwa, A., Wasswa, J. H., Muyindike, W.,
Tamukong, R., & Oloro, J. (2022). Prevalence
and factors associated with adverse drug events
among patients on dolutegravir-based regimen at
the Immune Suppression Syndrome Clinic of
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A
mixed design study. AIDS Research and Therapy,
, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-022-
-7
Suzuki, A., & MinjunChen. (2024).
Epidemiology and risk determinants of drug-
induced liver injury: Current knowledge and
future research needs. Liver International.
https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.15894
Wekesa, C., Parkes-Ratanshi, R., Kirk, G. D., &
Ocama, P. (2022). Liver injury patterns and
hepatic toxicity among people living with and
without HIV and attending care in urban Uganda.
International Journal of Hepatology, 2022,
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Hillary Kasadha, Anthony Ssekitoleko, Hasifah Nansereko, Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The journal publishes under the Attribution-Noncommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 international (CCBY-NC-ND 4.0) license which allows you to Share, Copy and redistribute the materials in any medium or format. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms;
- Attribution: You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- Non-commercial: You may not use the material for commercial purposes. Commercial use is one primarily intended for commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
- No Derivatives: if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
- No additional restrictions: You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
