Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, associated factors, and correlation with CD4 count among HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Central Uganda.

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common but under-recognized comorbidity among HIV-infected individuals, contributing to anemia, neurological impairment, and poor immune recovery. In sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV burden is high, routine screening for B12 deficiency is rarely performed, and data in Uganda are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, identify associated factors, and examine its correlation with CD4 count among HIV-positive adults.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 156 HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Serum vitamin B12 was measured using the ARCHITECT B12 assay. Deficiency was defined as < 200 pg/mL. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation were used to identify predictors and assess relationships with CD4 counts.

Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 25% of participants. Significant independent predictors included: low income (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.07-5.75), ART-naïve status (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.03-8.73), underweight BMI (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.89-9.60), and HIV duration > 10 years (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.32-12.1). CD4 count showed a modest inverse correlation (ρ = - 0.24, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among HIV-positive adults in Uganda. Routine screening and nutritional interventions are recommended, especially for high-risk groups.