Abstract:
In the last decade, the long-term survival among people living with HIV
(PLHIV) has significantly improved. This is accompanied by an increased
burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension due to the combined
effect of the aging population and the metabolic effect of the Human
Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) virion and antiretroviral therapy. This study
aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among
people living with HIV in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
A descriptive cross-sectional study employed a multistage sampling technique
to select 309 adults with HIV, 18 years and above, receiving HIV care
in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State. The outcome variable was
the participants’ self-reported history of hypertension, confirmed through a
positive history of hypertension treatment. Exposure variables included the
participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and HIV
care and treatment history. Data were presented using frequency tables. Factors
associated with hypertension were assessed using binary logistic regression
at a 0.05 level of statistical significance. A total of 309 adults living with
HIV were sampled. A larger percentage of the participants were married 228
(73.8%), female, 191 (61.8%), within the age group 41 - 50 years, 141 (45.6%).
Most of the participants had no family history of hypertension, 188 (60.8%).
The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 11.0% (34/309). Factors associated
with hypertension at the bivariate level were age group 21 - 30 years,
41 - 50 years, being widow/widower, divorced, retired from employment or
with family history of hypertension. Only participants age group 31 - 40 years[Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.91, p = 0.04] and family
history of hypertension [(AOR): 83.44, 95%CI: 15.75 - 442.11, p < 0.01] were
found to predict hypertension among the study participants after adjusting
for confounders. In conclusion, Hypertension remains a public health issue
among PLHIV. Factors associated with hypertension among PLHIV include
age and family history of hypertension. Regular screening for hypertension,
its appropriate treatment and optimal control are essential in PLHIV.
