Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Patients on ART at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a major public health problem across the globe. An Estimated 39.1 million people are living with HIV in the world1 and 1.4 million in Zambia1, 2. The aim of this study was to assess the oral mucosal, periodontal, and dentition status of HIV/AIDS patients attending ART (antiretroviral therapy) center at Levy Mwanawasa University teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Methods and Materials: A total of 361 HIV/AIDS subjects at the ART center were examined. Oral mucosal, periodontal, and dentition status was recorded using a modified WHO Oral Health Assessment form 1997. The data were analyzed using STATA software, version 16.0. The statistical tests that were applied for the analysis included Chi‑square test, Fisher exact test, and one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Of 361 study subjects examined, 48 % were men and 52% were women. The majority of the sample population was within the 26-55 age range, with the highest percentage in the 46-55 age categories. Periodontitis was the most prevalent oral lesion (48.5%) followed by acute necrotizing gingivitis (26%), hyper melanotic pigmentation (15.8%), and ulcerations (40.99%), respectively. Oral hairy leukoplakia was observed in only 5.4%. Buccal mucosa (36.7%) was the most common site of the presence of oral mucosal lesions. Almost all the subjects needed one or other form of dental treatment. Only 12% of the patients had healthy periodontium. Conclusion: Periodontitis was the most prevalent oral lesion. Efforts should be made to meet the increased treatment needs in these patients Key words – Periodontitis, Antiretroviral treatment, mucosa, ulceration, necrotizing gingivitis