Prevalence and Factors Associated with Diabetes and Hypertension Among HIV Patients at Tertiary Hospital, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Agreyson L Hindanya; George Kifumase; Joshua Baysa; Erick Mlaponi; Janeth J Sabuni; Balthazar M Nyombi; Isaack Lyaruu; Florida Muro; Dhahiri Mnzava; Debora C Kajeguka

doi:10.61797/ijdm.v4i1.521

Agreyson L Hindanya Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
George Kifumase Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Joshua Baysa Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Clinical laboratory department, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Erick Mlaponi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Janeth J Sabuni Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Balthazar M Nyombi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Isaack Lyaruu Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Florida Muro Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Dhahiri Mnzava Medical Laboratory Specialist, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Debora C Kajeguka Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KCMC University, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61797/ijdm.v4i1.521

Keywords: Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV, Prevalence, Factors, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes and hypertension are prevalent non-communicable diseases that significantly affect people living with HIV, particularly those on antiretroviral therapy. Despite the increasing recognition of these conditions, their prevalence and associated risk factors among people living with HIV in Tanzania remain underexplored. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and hypertension among HIV patients attending Child-Centred Family Care Clinic at KCMC Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024, involving 341 people living with HIV attending the Child-Centred Family Care Clinic at KCMC Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, file reviews, and physical measurements. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg/ or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Diabetes was defined as blood glucose level of ≥140 mg/dL. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension.

Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 23.5% (80) while the prevalence of 14.1% (48) was diabetes. Hypertension was most prevalent in individuals aged 36-62 years (71.3%), whereas 70.9% of diabetic patients reported a family history of diabetes. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age was significantly associated with hypertension, with participants aged 18-35 years showing a lower likelihood of hypertension (AOR=0.10; 95% CI: 0.03-0.41; p=0.004) compared to those over 63 years. Participants earning TZs 500,000 or more per month were more likely to develop diabetes as compared to others (AOR=4.112; 95% CI: 1.199-14.108; p=0.025).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that socioeconomic determinants are critical in influencing the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among people living with HIV, suggesting that interventions should focus on improving screening and early treatment to at risk groups.