Habitual Physical Activity Levels are Positively Correlated with CD4 Counts in an HIV-Positive South African Population

ABSTRACT

In order to assess the relationship between CD4 cell count; habitual physical activity levels and functional independence in a South African adult population positive for HIV; we administered a questionnaire concerning lifestyle and physical activity. Data collection took place at an antiretroviral (ARV) roll-out site at Helen Joseph Hospital; Johannesburg. The study involved 186 HIV-positive outpatients (47 male and 139 female); with a mean age of 35.2 years; who were either taking (n = 121) or not taking (n = 65) ARV medication. We compared CD4 cell count; habitual physical activity levels (metabolic intensity in MET hours per month) and functional independence as assessed from the responses to the questionnaire. There was a positive and significant correlation between the patients' length of time on ARV medication and CD4 cell counts (p 0.0001; r