Affiliation:
1. University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
2. Massachusetts General Hospital
3. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Abstract
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.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC