Association of Anemia with Health-Related Quality of Life Among HIV-Infected Individuals in Meru, Kenya

ABSTRACT Anemia is a prevalent hematological complication in HIV patients, significantly impacting their health-related quality of life, morbidity, disease progression, and mortality. Despite its importance, there is a lack of information specifically focused on the impact of anemia on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of HIV-infected individuals in Meru County, Kenya. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia, identifying its predisposing factors, and assess its impact on HRQoL among HIV-infected individuals attending Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH). A total of 354 adult participants (76.1% women, 24.9% men) were enrolled for the study at MeTRH between May and August 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Hemoglobin levels were analyzed using an automated hemoglobin analyzer and anemia was defined according to WHO criteria (hemoglobin