Hypertension among persons living with HIV/AIDS and its association with HIV-related health factors

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a public health concern in many countries.

The increased life expectancy in the post-Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) era has led to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death among Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Hypertension remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease among PLHIV.

Some studies have suggested associations between hypertension among PLHIV and HIV-related health factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among PLHIV on antiretroviral medications and examine its association with HIV-related health factors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among attendants at an adult HIV clinic.

362 study participants were selected by systematic sampling.

Data on hypertension diagnosis, HIV-related health factors, sociodemographic and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors were collected using a standardized questionnaire and patient chart review.

Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association between hypertension and HIV-related factors, adjusting for other risk factors for hypertension.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 47.9 years and majority of participants were female (77.1%).

42% of study participants had been on antiretroviral medications for > 10 years.

The prevalence of hypertension was 17.4%.

Age > 50 years was associated with higher odds of hypertension (aOR: 3.75, 95%CI 1.68, 8.55, p-value: 0.002).

BMI in overweight and obese categories, and a history of comorbid medical conditions (diabetes, hyperlipidemia) were also associated with higher odds of hypertension (aOR: 3.

76, 95%CI 1.44, 9.81, p-value: 0.007), (aOR: 3.17, 95%CI 1.21, 8.32, p-value: 0.019) and (aOR: 14.25, 95%CI 7.41, 27.41, p-value: < 0.001) respectively.

No HIV-related health factors were associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Hypertension was a common condition among PLHIV on antiretroviral medications.

No HIV-related health factors were associated with hypertension.

Traditional risk factors associated with hypertension were increased age > 50 years, increased BMI, and a history of comorbid medical conditions.