Prevalence and associated risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma among patients receiving care at Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) remains prevalent and among the ten most common cancers in Zambia despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The co-occurrence of KS and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses a significant public health concern due to its aggressive nature and its potential to exacerbate the health challenges faced by individuals already grappling with HIV infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV-associated KS among patients receiving care at Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH). This cross-sectional study, included 93 patients with KS, irrespective of HIV status. Data were analyzed using STATA version 16.0 MP. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were employed. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Unmarried individuals exhibited significant odds of developing KS (aOR = 13.1, 95 % CI: 5.72–30.2, p < 0.001). Monthly income of ≤ K5000 Zambian Kwacha had higher odds of developing HIV-associated KS (aOR = 5.92, 95 % CI: 3.22–10.9, p < 0.001). Residence outside Lusaka had a markedly elevated risk (aOR = 11.9, 95 % CI: 4.46–31.8, p < 0.001). Cigarette smoking had increased risk of HIV-associated KS (aOR = 13.9, 95 % CI: 6.29–30.6, p < 0.001). The results of this study highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, including routine HIV prevention strategies, strengthened tobacco control policies, and economic empowerment programs, to enhance health outcomes and mitigate the burden of HIV-associated KS.