Growth and Pubertal Development Among HIV Infected and Uninfected Adolescent Girls in Lagos, Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

• Main Authors: David Agatha (Author), Gbaja-biamila Titilola (Author), Salako Abideen (Author), Odubela Oluwatosin (Author), Wapmuk Agatha (Author), Ekama Sabdat (Author), Musari-Martins Tomilola (Author), Ezemelue Priscilla (Author), Herbertson Ebiere (Author), Ezechi Oliver (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

This study aimed to compare growth and pubertal developmental parameters among HIV-infected and uninfected adolescent girls (11-19 years) in Lagos using a cross-sectional approach. Height, weight, BMI Z -scores, sexual maturity rating by Tanner stages and age at menarche, were compared in the 2 groups. The mean age was similar in both groups (13.2 [±2.3] years and 13.6 [±1.6] years for HIV positive and negative respectively [ P = .13]). Majority (66.2%) were in Junior Secondary classes and the mean socioeconomic class was 2.5 (±0.9). HIV-infected girls had significantly lower height, weight, and BMI Z scores compared to their uninfected counterparts. The proportion that had attained Tanner stages 3 to 5 were significantly lower among the HIV-positive participants. The study identified lower growth parameters and pubertal delay among HIV-infected adolescent females compared to HIV uninfected girls. Growth and sexual maturation assessment should form part of routine care of adolescents living with HIV.

Item Description

2333-794X
10.1177/2333794X221082784