Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kakamega county general referral hospital, Kenya

Jacqueline Mukhaye Amira; George Sowayi; Eliphalet Otunga; Kevin Soita; Tom Were

doi:10.51867/scimundi.5.2.22

Authors

Jacqueline Mukhaye Amira
jacquelineamira1@gmail.com
Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9960-9300
George Sowayi Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7626-5385
Eliphalet Otunga Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9561-3638
Kevin Soita Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6887-5801
Tom Were Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0349-9906

Keywords:

HIV, Hyperthyroidism, Kakamega CGRH, Pregnancy, Thyroid Dysfunction

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy increases risks for both mothers and infants, with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection further complicating thyroid physiology through immune and metabolic changes. Despite the high HIV burden in sub-Saharan Africa, few studies address thyroid dysfunction among HIV-positive pregnant women. This study assessed the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among HIV-positive pregnant women in Kakamega County, Kenya. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Kakamega County General Referral Hospital (KCGRH). Sixty-seven women (HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women and non-pregnant controls) were enrolled. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) were measured using ELISA. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests in SPSS v26. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from HIV-positive pregnant women, among whom 50.0% exhibited thyroid dysfunction, all presenting with hyperthyroidism. HIV-negative pregnant women had a higher prevalence (72.7%), comprising hyperthyroidism (63.6%), hypothyroidism (9.1%), and euthyroidism (13.6%). HIV-positive women had significantly elevated systolic blood pressure (p=0.044). Thyroid dysfunction, predominantly hyperthyroidism, is common among HIV-positive pregnant women in Kakamega. The integration of thyroid screening into ANC and HIV programs is recommended.

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