Prevalence of Pubertal Delay in Paediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

Background: In Cameroon, Paediatric HIV occurs in 7 per 500,000 people living with HIV. HIV infection can result in impaired sexual development and delayed puberty. There are few studies on the impact of HIV on puberty. Aim: To determine prevalence of pubertal delay in paediatric population infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that assessed puberty using the Marshall and Tanner staging system in 120 HIV positive children aged 8-18years, at the Bamenda Regional Hospital treatment Centre from February to May 2022. Data obtained included sex, age, tanner stage of development and age at puberty. Results: Of 120 participants included, the majority 64(53.3%) were girls. The median (IQR) age was 13.9(11.1-15.8) and 71(59.2%) were aged =13years. Sixty-three (52.5%) participants were in Tanner stage 1-2 and the prevalence of pubertal delay was 12.7%. Median age at puberty in years was thelarche: 12.5(9.9-14.4), adrenarche: 13.2(11.8-14.6), menarche: 14(13-14) in girls and gonadarche: 12.9(11.6-14.4), adrenarche: 13.3(11.4-14.4) in boys. Conclusion: About 13% of HIV infected children on ART experience pubertal delay with a prevalence rate of 12.7%.