Prevalence and factors influencing the development of hypertension among people living with HIV and AIDS attending TASO at Mulago Hospital. A Cross-sectional study.

Zipporah Atuhumwize; Gordon Kibirige; Jane Frank  Nalubega; Elizabeth Okello; Edith Akankwasa

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2251

Authors

Zipporah Atuhumwize Uganda Christian University
Gordon Kibirige Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Elizabeth Okello Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Edith Akankwasa Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2251

Keywords:

Prevalence, hypertension, People living with HIV and AIDS, The AIDS Support Organization, Mulago Hospital

Abstract

Background:
Hypertension has devastated the lives of many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV) globally, yet its prevalence in Uganda is not known. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors influencing hypertension among PLWHIV and AIDS at TASO Mulago.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional design was employed with qualitative and quantitative approaches on 80 randomly sampled participants. Qualitative data was collected through interviews. Blood pressure measured by a sphygmomanometer, Height, and weight data by anthropometry were used to compute the body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics were run to report frequencies, means, and standard deviations for continuous variables, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regressions with adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Statistical significance was considered for p-values < 0.05. Ethical clearance obtained from Mild May Uganda Research Ethics Committee and study authorization from TASO.

Results:

In a sample of 80 PLWHIV attending TASO Mulago, the majority were females, 56(70.0%), while 50 (30%) were males. The majority 45.0% were married, 10(12.5%) single, 16(20.0%) divorced and 18(22.5%) widowed. The prevalence of hypertension was 37.5% (95% CI [27.5, 48.8]). In multivariable analysis, having secondary or higher education was independently associated with lower odds of hypertension (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.08, 0.94], p = .040), whereas an undetectable viral load was associated with higher odds of hypertension (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI [1.00, 7.99], p = .049). Age ≥45 years, male sex, marital status, employment, socioeconomic status, ART regimen, and over-nutrition were not significantly associated with hypertension in the adjusted model.

Conclusion:

Hypertension is a prevalent comorbidity among PLWHIV at TASO Mulago, highlighting the dual burden of HIV and cardiovascular disease.

Recommendation:

Integration of HIV care through routine hypertension screening, nutritional counseling, adherence support, and targeted lifestyle interventions, to reduce cardiovascular complications and improve long-term health outcomes for PLWHIV in Uganda.

Author Biographies

Zipporah Atuhumwize, Uganda Christian University

is a student at Uganda Christian University, pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics.
Gordon Kibirige , Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Elizabeth Okello, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Edith Akankwasa, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

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