Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV on Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Tanzania.

PURPOSE

Chronic systemic inflammation from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may cause metabolic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Additionally, the development of metabolic syndrome has been associated with specific anti-retroviral therapy, particularly dolutegravir. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.

METHODS

This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, among 312 people living with HIV. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including anthropometric indices and a blood pressure reading. A blood sample was collected to measure plasma glucose levels and serum lipid levels. The outcome being metabolic syndrome, odds ratios were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and a -value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 42.3%. Waist circumference (73%) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (59.9%) were the most prevalent components. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were patients aged 18-44 years (aOR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.24-7.79; = .016), female gender (aOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.07-14.13; = .001), no physical activity (aOR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.05-15.10; = .042), and patients who earned >300 000 Tanzanian shillings per month (aOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07-4.32; = .032).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients on dolutegravir-based therapy is high. There is a need to adhere to routine screening of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.