BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is becoming prevalent among People living with HIV (PLWHIV), attributed to antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection and other concomitant factors. A high burden of HIV/AIDs and Non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa calls for an extra focus on the MetS among people living with HIV. The study aimed at assessing the factors associated with MetS among PLWHIV on the first-line antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional design whereby a convenience sampling technique was used to recruit a sample of 255 participants. The interview-guided questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the study participants as well as to record physical measurements (Blood pressure, weight, height and body mass index) and biochemical profiles (fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, CD4 count, and Hemoglobin level). MetS was established by using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data, and all statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 17.0. A P value less than 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.

RESULTS

The mean age and BMI were 46 ± 2 years and 25.0 ± 5.3 kg/m, respectively. The majority 161 (63.1%) of participants were females and 29 (11.4%) were either current smokers or former smokers. The prevalence of MetS was 21.2% and the factors associated with metabolic syndrome were age > 45 years (AOR = 10.483, 95% CI = 1.336-82.231), being obese (AOR = 11.39, 95% CI = 2.23-58.32), currently smoking (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.10-14.34) and being single (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.11-7.26).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of MetS in this study was relatively high among PLWHIV on first-line ART. Age above 45 years, being single, current smoking, and obesity were independent predictors of MetS. Regular monitoring for clinical and laboratory parameters, surveillance of drug effects and behavioral interventions are needed to optimize the management and prevention of metabolic disorders in PLWHIV.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.