Vascular Health and Risk Management (Dec 2023)
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypertension Among HIV Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rwanda
Abstract
Donatha Uwanyirigira,1,2 Emmanuel Biracyaza,3,4 Innocent Uzabakiriho,2 Jared Omolo,5 François Hakizayezu,1 Manasse Nzayirambaho1 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; 2Byumba District Hospital, Ministry of Health, Byumba, Rwanda; 3School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Montréal; 4Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Institut Universitaire Sur la Réadaptation En Déficience Physique de Montréal, Quebec, Canada; 5Field Epidemiology Training Program (FELTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Rwanda, Kigali, RwandaCorrespondence: Donatha Uwanyirigira, Tel +250788459752, Email [email protected]: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are influential elements contributing to hypertension, which is a public health concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where its underdiagnosis and limited investigation persist. Moreover, hypertension prevails at higher rates among individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in comparison to the general population. Therefore, our study determined the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among PLWH who are undergoing ART treatment at Byumba District Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 406 PLWH over the age of 14 years who were undergoing ART within the HIV department. We performed statistical analyses using STATA version 13. Significant independent variables identified in the bivariate analysis were further exported in a multivariable logistic regression model to ascertain their association with hypertension. This model elucidated factors associated with hypertension, presenting outcomes through odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 24.7%, which means that roughly 1 in 4 PLWH were hypertensive. Notably, individuals aged 41 years and above demonstrated a significant association with heightened hypertension [AOR = 4.49; 95% CI = 2.45– 8.21, p < 0.001] in contrast to those aged between 14 and 40 years. Additionally, smokers [AOR = 12.12; 95% CI = 4.48– 32.74, p < 0.001] and individuals with a family history of hypertension [AOR = 4.28; 95% CI = 1.01– 18.13, p = 0.049] demonstrated a higher likelihood of hypertension than their counterparts. Moreover, alcohol consumers [AOR = 5.5; 95% CI = 2.75– 10.9, p < 0.001] had an increased likelihoods of hypertension compared to non-drinkers. Lastly, diabetics were almost 6 times more likely to be hypotensive [AOR = 4.50; 95% CI = 2.55– 7.95, p = 0.018] when compared to those without diabetes.Conclusion: Our findings strongly underscore the urgency for the implementation of targeted programs aimed at enhancing awareness and comprehension of the factors and potential complications tied to hypertension among PLWH. Such programs could be integrated into routine HIV care services to provide patients with the information and skills required to manage their hypertension effectively.Keywords: hypertension, prevalence, people with human immunodeficiency virus, antiretroviral therapy, Byumba hospital
