Investigating bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy: prevalence, influencing factors, and quality-of-life implications

Abstract Background Urological complications are not uncommon among people living with HIV and are often the initial clinical manifestation of HIV and AIDS. These complications, when presenting with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), can significantly impact the Quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. We, therefore, conducted a study aiming at determining the prevalence of bothersome LUTS, identifying factors influencing the severity of these symptoms, and examining their influence on the QoL among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected adult HIV-positive patients who attended the Care and Treatment Center at Muhimbili National Hospital, located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from September 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected using a questionnaire that incorporated the American version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The IPSS was utilized to assess the severity of LUTS and their influence on the QoL. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results, and ordinal regression analysis was employed to assess the factors influencing the severity of LUTS. Results The prevalence of LUTS in the study population was 57.8%, with mild symptoms (mean IPSS 3.92 ± 1.92) being the most common manifestation. The mean age of the study participants who presented with LUTS was 47.89 ± 12.05 years, and the majority were females (55.6%). Factors that were significantly associated with increased severity of LUTS included male sex (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.59–4.75; p < 0.001), age above 49 years (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.49–6.16; p = 0.002), ART use for over 10 years (OR 3.03; 95% CI 0.9–6.10; p = 0.021), and HIV stage IV (OR 2.42; 95% CI 0.9–3.4; p = 0.047). The majority of the study participants reported an above-average QoL, with only 9.7% of them reporting unhappy-terrible experiences with urinary symptoms. However, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) inverse correlation between QoL and the severity of LUTS was observed. Conclusions In light of these findings, policymakers and healthcare providers should integrate routine assessment and management of LUTS into the care protocols tailored for these high-risk groups. This proactive approach holds the potential to enhance the QoL and overall welfare of people living with HIV.