Zinc levels in HIV-positive children at the University of Nigeria teaching hospital

Background: Zinc is an abundant trace element in the body involved in many physiological processes. Its deficiency has been described in HIV-infected children, especially in advancing illness. This study, therefore, seeks to assess zinc levels in HIV-positive children attending the HIV clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study among HIV-positive children aged 5–60 months attending the HIV clinic at UNTH. A 100 participants were enrolled from August 2013 to May 2014. Data were obtained using a pro forma developed by researchers, and blood samples were collected and analysed using an absorption spectrophotometer. Serum zinc level deficiency was defined as the values <80 μg/dL. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 26. Results: Most participants were males (53.0%). Their mean age was 47 months (standard deviation = 15.7). The median serum zinc level was 55.5 μg/dL (IQR = 35.0–84.8). The majority of the participant (72%) had zinc deficiency. There was a statistically significant relationship between serum zinc level and participants' socioeconomic status (P < 0.05) – higher socioeconomic status was associated with higher zinc levels. Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in children living with HIV, with a significant relationship between serum zinc level and the participants' socioeconomic status. There is a need for zinc supplementation for HIV children, especially the indigent ones.