Prevalence of hypertension and its association to HIV related factors among HIV patients on antiretroviral medications in Bagamoyo district, Tanzania

Abstract

Effective use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), has greatly upgraded the quality of life and survival of individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS. However, the incidence rate of hypertension is reported growing up. The overall aim was to find out the prevalence of hypertension and its association with HIV related factors in HIV patients on ART, in Bagamoyo district Tanzania. The design was a cross-sectional study of HIV patients on ART visiting care and treatment clinics. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or being on medications for hypertension. Logistic regression was applied during the analysis. The study investigated 328 HIV patients on ART, 64.6% were female, and 92.68% on non-protease inhibitors medication and 14% had a prior history of TB in the past 5 years. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 29.3% and it was significantly and positively associated with increasing age (years): 40-59, 3.40 (1.80-6.41) 0.001, ≥ 60, 9.25 (3.96-21.60) 0.001, obesity 3.63 (1.60-8.26) 0.002, nonprotease inhibitors 4.31 (1.16-16.03) 0.029 and tenofovir 4.27 (1.15-15.96) 0.031. Both of the

duration

since HIV diagnosed, recent CD4+cell count and history of TB in the past 5 years were not statistically significant associated with increased odds of having hypertension. In conclusion the prevalence of hypertension in HIV patients on ART was 29.3% and it was significantly and positively associated with increasing age, obesity, and non-protease inhibitors. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, anthropometrics, and ART drug toxicity are crucial among HIV patients.