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Original Research
Vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among HIV patients at Mbarara City Health Centre IV, south-western Uganda
Submitted: 01 August 2025 | Published: 10 December 2025
About the author(s)
Jazira Tumusiime, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UgandaCharles N. Bagenda, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; and Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
Daniel Nzaramba, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Bashir Ruzige, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Elastus Ssemwanga, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mayanja Memorial Medical Training Institute, Mbarara, Uganda
Frank Ssedyabane, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Winnie R. Muyindike, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Ritah Kiconco, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; and Department of Biochemistry, School of Health Sciences, Soroti University, Soroti, Uganda
Simon P. Rugera, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Abstract
Background: HIV is a global health challenge. Despite increased life expectancy because of antiretroviral therapy, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) remains widespread among HIV-positive individuals. Factors such as poor nutrition, limited sunlight exposure, and certain medications, contribute to high VDD rates. Despite this, the magnitude of this problem is not well documented in our setting.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with VDD among HIV patients in south-western Uganda.
Methods: This cross-sectional study at Mbarara City Health Centre IV involved 218 randomly selected HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, medical records review, and blood samples for biochemical analysis. VDD was defined as serum levels < 25 ng/mL. Levels of ˃ 5 mg/L for C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were considered elevated. Body mass index (BMI) was categorised as < 25 kg/m2 normal, 25–29.9 kg/m2 overweight, and ≥ 30 kg/m2 for obese. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to assess factors associated with VDD.
Results: The median age of the participants was 38 years (interquartile range 30–45) with most being female (163, 74.8%). Of the 218 study participants, 66 had Vitamin D levels < 25 ng/mL, giving a prevalence of VDD of 30.3% (95% CI: 24.51% – 36.73%). Being overweight, obese, and having a CRP level of > 5 mg/L, were significantly associated with VDD.
Conclusion: The study found a 30.3% prevalence of VDD among HIV-positive individuals at Mbarara City Health Centre IV. Key associated factors included higher BMI and elevated CRP levels.
What this study adds: This study highlights the significant burden of VDD among HIV-positive individuals in a Ugandan setting, with a prevalence of 30.3%. It identifies obesity and elevated CRP levels as key risk factors, emphasising the need for integrated nutritional and inflammatory monitoring in HIV care.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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