Hypertension and Related Risk Factors Among Clients on Combined Antiretroviral Therapy in Offa, Nigeria

Abstract

Justification: The hypertension pervasiveness is a major challenge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) afflicted people globally.

Aim: A prospective, cross-sectional research comprising two hundred and eighteen HIV afflicted patients was conducted in Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic of General Hospital, Offa, Nigeria between November 2015 and December 2016.

Methodology: Blood pressure of patients’ was evaluated with the use of  Omron automated blood pressure monitor following standard procedures. Dual Weight and Height Balance device was utilized to measure the weights and heights of the subjects. 

Results: Hypertension incidence among patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) was 34%, while cART-naive was 9.6%. In women afflicted with HIV who were on cART, the hypertension occurrence was high (75.5%) compared to men (24.5%). Risk factors that were markedly linked with hypertension among patients on cART include body mass index (OR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.21-2.27; p < 0.050), sedentary lifestyle (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.20-5.38; p < 0.043), age (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.22-2.33; p < 0.004) and gender (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 0.85-2.41; p < 0.037).

Conclusion: Patients on cART were found to have higher hypertension prevalence than cART-naive. On risk factors for hypertension, however, the cART was not inclusive.