Body mass index at time of HIV diagnosis: a strong and independent predictor of survival

Background: Identification of basic prognostic indicators or HIV infection is essential before widespread antiretroviral therapy can be implemented in low-technology settings. This study assessed how well body mass index (BMI:kg/m 2 ) predicts survival. Methods: BMI within 3 months of HIV diagnosis was obtained from 1657 patients aged ≥15 years, recruited in a scroprevalent clinical cohort in The Gambia since 1992 and followed up at least once. Baseline CD4 + counts and clinical assessment at time of diagnosis were done. Results: The mortality hazard ratio (HR) of those with a baseline BMI