ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES, MICROELEMENTS AND CD4-COUNT IN ADULT-HUMAN IMMUNIDEFICIENCY VIRUS SUBJECTS AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI AT ADVANCED STAGE

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to pose a substantial health burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where nutritional factors and micronutrient status play critical roles in immune function and disease trajectory. This case–control investigation evaluated anthropometric parameters, blood pressure indices, CD4 cell count, and selected trace elements among 70 HIV-positive adult males aged 18–60 years attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. Participants were stratified based on duration of infection. Standardized procedures were employed to determine height, weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 16.0, with statistical significance defined at p<0.05. Findings revealed a progressive and statistically significant rise in CD4 count with increasing duration of infection and exposure to antiretroviral therapy. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures demonstrated significant variations across duration categories, characterized by higher initial values and subsequent stabilization over time. Selenium levels differed markedly between groups, while zinc showed moderate statistical variation; copper levels did not demonstrate significant differences. Although BMI did not vary significantly across infection durations, the overall mean BMI suggested a predominance of overweight status. These results indicate that sustained antiretroviral therapy is associated with immune recovery and relative cardiovascular adjustment, whereas alterations in micronutrient status persist. Continuous assessment of nutritional and biochemical indicators may therefore enhance comprehensive care and long-term prognosis in adults living with HIV.