Prevalence and Risk Factors of Opportunistic Infections Associated with HIV/AIDS Among Under Five Children Attending University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Oke Oyi, Kwara State, Nigeria

Opportunistic infections (OIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to comprehensive care remains limited. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of OIs among under-five children receiving care at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Oke Oyi, Kwara State, Nigeria. A retrospective and analytical study design was employed, involving the review of medical records and administration of structured questionnaires over a five-year period (2018–2023). A total of 159 HIV-positive children under five years of age were included in the study, with 120 presenting with one or more opportunistic infections. The most prevalent OIs identified were tuberculosis, pneumonia, oral candidiasis, diarrhea, cryptococcal meningitis, severe malaria, and sepsis. Data analysis revealed that factors such as late initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), poor nutritional status, low cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts, and poor adherence to treatment were significantly associated with the incidence of OIs. The findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, prompt initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and strengthened routine monitoring and nutritional support to reduce the burden of OIs in HIV-infected children. This study highlights the importance of tailored interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce HIV-related childhood mortality in resource-limited settings.