Environmental Conditions, Laboratory Profiles, and Vitamin D Status among Children Living with HIV and TB–HIV in Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Evidence regarding environmental conditions, laboratory profiles, and micronutrient status among Indonesian children living with HIV and TB–HIV co-infection remains limited. This study aimed to describe household environmental conditions, laboratory profiles, and vitamin status among children living with HIV and TB–HIV in Semarang, Indonesia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pulmonary Health Center of Semarang, Indonesia, between June and October 2017. Total sampling was used to recruit all eligible children with HIV or TB–HIV co-infection (n=13). Descriptive analyses were performed to summarize environmental conditions, laboratory findings, and vitamin status.

Results: More than half of the participants lived in houses with light intensity below 60 lx, and two lived in houses with soil floors. Most households had at least one active smoker, and most participants had a history of household contact with active TB cases. Haematological and immunological findings were generally within normal limits, although one participant had anemia and another demonstrated marked immunosuppression. Vitamin D insufficiency was the most common micronutrient abnormality. Vitamin A deficiency was identified in two participants, while elevated vitamin E levels were observed in six participants.

Conclusion: Inadequate household lighting, exposure to cigarette smoke, and micronutrient abnormalities, particularly vitamin D insufficiency, were common among children living with HIV and TB–HIV in this study. These findings provide descriptive information that may support future research and clinical assessment in this population.