BMC Public Health. 2026 Jul 20. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-28621-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Oral lesions are frequent complications of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, particularly among individuals with advanced immunosuppression. These lesions reduce quality of life and increase vulnerability to secondary infections. This study assessed knowledge, risk factors, and healthcare-seeking behavior related to oral lesions among HIV enrollees in Osun State, Nigeria.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 HIV-positive adults with clinically confirmed oral lesions attending selected Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinics in Osun State, Nigeria. Participants were recruited from three selected ART clinics using complete enumeration. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and appropriate bivariate tests were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Participants were mostly male (51.7%) and Yoruba (74.4%). Only 56.1% had good knowledge of oral lesions. Common risk factors included poor oral hygiene (56.1%), alcohol use (31.7%), and ART non-adherence. Healthcare-seeking within two weeks of symptoms was low (26.7%). Religion, education, and occupation were significantly associated with care-seeking. Poor oral hygiene and low CD4 counts were significant predictors of oral lesions.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge and prompt care-seeking for oral lesions remain inadequate among HIV enrollees. Integrating oral health education, routine screening, and dental care into HIV treatment services is essential to improve outcomes in this population.
PMID:42477674 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-28621-5
