Burden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in EthiopiaBurden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Abstract Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and determined factors associated with fatigue among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy at health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 609 HIV/AIDS patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Level of fatigue was measured by fatigue severity scale. Results: The prevalence of fatigue was found to be 51.7%. The contributing factors that had statistically significant association with fatigue were: having children [AOR= 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.71], CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3 [AOR= 2.81; 95% CI: 1.58-4.99], having anemia [AOR= 4.90 95% CI: 2.40-9.97], having co-morbid health conditions [AOR= 3.65; 95% CI: 1.71-7.78], showing depression [AOR= 3.68 95% CI: 1.99-6.79], not being physically active [AOR= 3.20 95% CI: 1.50-6.81], clinical stage II and IV [AOR= 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51-6.40] and [AOR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.14] respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of fatigue was medium compared to the global prevalence. Having children, having CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3, being in clinical stage II/IV, being anemic, having co-morbid health conditions, showing depression, and not being physically active were positively associated with fatigue. Health care stakeholders need to give special attention for HIV patients with the identified associated factors. Keywords: Fatigue, HIV/AIDS, Associated factors, Prevalence, Ethiopia