Aging with HIV Infection and Locomotors Disorders: Experience of theInfectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Abidjan, Côte dâÂÂIvoire

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of locomotor disorders among people living with HIV in Abidjan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April–July 2014 at the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Abidjan. Data were collected with a questionnaire and four tests of locomotor function: 4-m walking speed, five timings from sit-to-stand, the timed “up and go” test and standing on one leg with the eyes closed. Logistic regression models were used to find factors associated with locomotors disorders. Results: Of the 308 patients included in our study, 67.5% were women, and the median age was 45 years. The median duration of HIV infection was 91 months, and 97.4% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. The locomotor test that showed the most frequent alteration (87% of patients) was standing on one leg with the eyes closed. The prevalence of locomotors disorders was estimated to be 34% (95% confidence interval (CI), 28.8–39.4). In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio (OR), 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.2; p=0.014) and body mass index (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5–4.3; p=0.001) were significantly associated with the presence of locomotors disorders. No association was found with time since diagnosis of HIV infection or antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: The prevalence of locomotors disorders among people living with HIV is high. Strategies should be developed to screen and treat these disorders in order to limit functional impairment in this population.