Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kigeme, Rwanda 2020

Introduction: Globally, hypertension is an emerging public health issue among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Its prevalence and risk factors in Sub-Saharan African countries including Rwanda are inadequately documented. We determined the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors amon...

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Main Authors: Aphrodis Hagabimana, Albert Ndagijimana, Ziad El-Khatib, Aimable Musafili, Jared Omolo, Ephraïm Nzabonimana, Kelly Kaneza, Francine Birungi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: African Field Epidemiology Network 2024-06-01
Series:Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
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Online Access:https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/series/7/3/1/full/
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Summary:Introduction: Globally, hypertension is an emerging public health issue among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Its prevalence and risk factors in Sub-Saharan African countries including Rwanda are inadequately documented. We determined the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among PLHIV, who attended a rural district hospital in Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural district hospital located in Southern Rwanda from January to December 2020. The study included 386 PLHIV aged 18 years and above, who were systematically selected. Hypertension was defined as a sustained rise in systolic and or diastolic blood pressure above a certain level or the use of antihypertensive medicines. The factors associated with hypertension among the PLHIV were identified using logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 47±14 years. The prevalence of hypertension among the PLHIV was 29.8% (95%CI: 25.5-34.5). Being on ART for more than 5 years (aOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.44-3.87) and overweight (aOR:2.1, 95%CI: 1.26-3.61) were associated with being hypertensive, whereas being underweight (aOR: 0.1, 95%CI: 0.04-0.49) was protective. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high among PLHIV who have been followed up in a rural district hospital, in Rwanda. Patients who had been on ART for a longer duration and were overweight were at higher risk of developing hypertension. Being underweight seemed to be protective against hypertension. These findings highlighted the need for strengthening the current HIV surveillance system and integrating hypertension screening and care program into HIV treatment programs to mitigate the burden of hypertension among PLHIV.
ISSN:2664-2824