Comorbidity of HIV, hypertension, and diabetes and associated factors among people receiving antiretroviral therapy in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are facing an increased burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) comorbidity. There is, however, paucity of information on the magnitude of HIV-NCDs comorbidity, its associated factors, and how the health system is responding to the double burden in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the magnitude of comorbidity between HIV and hypertension or diabetes and associated factors among HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 randomly selected HIV-positive adults taking ART. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. A logistic regression model was fit to identify associated factors with comorbidity of HIV and NCDs.

RESULTS

The magnitude of comorbidity was 19.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.0-23.0). Being older (55 and above years) adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 8.5; 95% CI: 3.2-15.1), taking second-line ART regimen containing tenofovir (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3-5.6), and increased body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-6.5) were the factors associated with comorbidity. Participants reported that they were not managed in an integrated and coordinated manner.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnitude of comorbidity among adults was high in the study area. Being older, second-line ART regimen and high BMI ≥25 increased the odds of having NCDs among HIV-positive adults. Targeted screening for the incidences of NCDs, addressing modifiable risk factors, and providing integrated care would help to improve the quality of life comorbid patients.