Risk Factors Associated with Hypertension and Diabetes among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Comprehensive Care Clinic Murang’a County Referral Hospital

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hypertension and Diabetes is still a major public health concern especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Kenya, HIV/AIDS and NCDs is among the leading causes for years of live lost (YLL) due to premature mortality. The burden of NCDs including diabetes and hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH) increasingly high due to lifestyle changes coupled with a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, behavioural factors. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with diabetes and hypertension (NCD of interest) among PLWH attending comprehensive care clinic (CCC) in Murang’a County Referral Hospital. The study primary outcome of the study was the proportion of PLWH diagnosed with the NCDs of interest. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design using a systematic sampling technique to enrol PLWH at the CCC clinic. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire were used to obtain characteristics of the PLHW. Subsequently, the PLWH were assessed for NCDs by taking their blood pressure measurements and blood sugar levels. 281 PLWH were randomly enrolled to the study, of whom 192 (68%) were female while 256 (91%) were aged above 35 years. 77 of the 281 PLWH had an NCD with hypertension being the most frequent NCD among PLWH at 27% (n=77) and none of the PLWH diagnosed with diabetes. In the logistic regression analyses at p≤0.05, a high BMI (Odds Ratio (OR) =1.15 95% CI 1.06, 1.24) and missing doctors ‘appointment (OR=2.12 95% CI 1.23, 3.95) were independently associated with hypertension among PLWH. Understanding factors associated with missed or delayed appointments is essential in reducing the burdens of hypertension among PLWH by promoting an integrated patient-centred care and support. Chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDs require long term adherence to treatment and regular follow-ups for symptom check-ups and management to prolong life and improve its quality.