Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV in Eastern Uganda: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: HIV patients have increased life expectancy due to access to antiretroviral therapy treatment. However, with increasing age comes an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, which include Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The prevalence of Type 2 DM (T2DM) among HIV patients and associated risk factors has not been extensively studied in the rural parts of Uganda. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among HIV-positive patients attending an HIV clinic in Eastern Uganda and its associated risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at two healthcare facilities in Eastern Uganda between March 2023 and July 2023. All HIV Patients (18 years and older) on ART attending the HIV Clinic during the study period were given information on the study. Only those who consented to participate in the study were recruited using the Non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were captured on the clinical history and socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics and analysed using descriptive statistics to determine T2DM prevalence. Additionally, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to examine factors associated with T2DM. Results We included 400 participants, the majority n = 261 (65.3%) being females. Majority were aged between 25 to 49 years, 206 (51.5%) with mean of 46.5 ± 12.4 years. Most of the participants, 351 (87.7%), had spent more than five years on ART, with the majority, 379 (94.7%), virally suppressed. Most participants were on the Dolutagravir-based ART regimen, 369 (92.2%). The prevalence of T2DM was 12.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the factors associated with T2DM/HIV comorbidity age of 50 or more, being on a Protease-based ART regimen, family history of T2DM, and having a known HIV status of less than ten years, family history of hypertension and BMI > 25kg/m². Conclusion The T2DM/HIV Comorbidity was high, with half the number unaware of T2DM status, warranting collaborative efforts to improve screening and adopt better clinical management strategies for DM/HIV comorbid patients. BMI > 25kg/m², family history of hypertension, and T2DM were associated with increased risk of T2DM, highlighting the importance of the above-mentioned risk factors in the clinical management of this comorbidity.