| Title: |
Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Patients on ART at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. |
| Authors: |
Mpundu, Gabriel; Soko, John; Phiri, Crecious; Moonga, Given |
| Source: |
Medical Journal of Zambia; Apr-Jun2025, Vol. 52 Issue 2, p136-147, 12p |
| Subject Terms: |
HIV-positive persons; CITY dwellers; ORAL health; FISHER exact test; RURAL-urban differences |
| Abstract: |
Background: HIV/AIDS remains a global public health challenge, with 39.1 million people living with HIV worldwide and 1.4 million in Zambia. Oral health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of care in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Aim: This study assessed the oral mucosal, periodontal, and dentition status of HIV/AIDS patients attending the ART center at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Methods:Across-sectional study of 361 HIV/AIDS patients was conducted. Oral health status was recorded using a modified WHO Oral Health Assessment form (1997), and data were analyzed using STATA version 16.0. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA were applied to identify significant associations. Results: Among the participants, 52% were women, and 68% were aged 26–55 years. Periodontitis was the most prevalent oral lesion (48.5%), followed by ulcerations (40.99%), acute necrotizing gingivitis (26%), and hypermelanotic pigmentation (15.8%). Nearly all participants required dental treatment, but only 12% had healthy periodontal status. Significant findings included lower odds of treatment needs in urban residents (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.44–0.99, p |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |