Baltimore oral epidemiology, disease effects, and HIV evaluation study (BEEHIVE) study protocol: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background As antiretroviral therapy has become widely available and highly effective, HIV has evolved to a manageable, chronic disease. Despite this health advancement, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk for age-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. Similarly, PLWH are at an increased risk for selected oral diseases. PLWH with a history of injecting drugs experience an even greater burden of disease than their counterparts. The overall objective of the Baltimore Oral Epidemiology, Disease Effects, and HIV Evaluation (BEEHIVE) study is to determine the combined effects of HIV infection and NCDs on oral health status. The specific aims of the study are to: (1) determine to what extent HIV status influences access to and utilization of oral health care services; (2) determine to what extent HIV status affects self-reported and clinical oral health status; (3) determine to what extent HIV status influences the progression of periodontitis; and (4) determine to what extent HIV status impacts the periodontitis-associated oral microbiome signature. Methods The BEEHIVE study uses a prospective cohort study design to collect data from participants at baseline and at a 24-month follow-up visit. Data are collected through questionnaire assessments, clinical examinations, and evaluation of oral microbiological samples to determine the drivers of oral disease among a high-risk population of PLWH with a history of injection drug use and prevalent comorbid NCDs. The established AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort serves as the source of participants for the BEEHIVE Study. Discussion Upon completion of the BEEHIVE study, the knowledge gained will be important in informing future clinical and preventive interventions that can be implemented into medical and dental practice to ultimately help eliminate long-standing oral health inequities that PLWH experience.