Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors in people living with HIV at Senkatana Clinic Maseru.

Background:  Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension (HTN), have emerged among people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the most important prevalent contributors of non-AIDS-related mortality. Moreover, HTN itself is a modifiable risk factor for other CVDs. Data are limited regarding the prevalence of HTN and associated factors among PLHIV in Lesotho.

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of HTN and associated factors among PLHIV attending Senkatana ART Clinic.

Setting:  The study was carried out at Senkatana ART Clinic in urban Maseru, Lesotho.

Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2022. Data were analysed using SAS statistical software (v9.4) and Microsoft Excel. To determine HTN prevalence, blood pressure (BP) was measured, and a questionnaire was administered to participants who were randomly selected using the lottery method from the clinic's daily attendance list. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with HTN in PLHIV while controlling for potentially confounding factors.

Results:  The prevalence of HTN was 57% (exact 95% CI: 51.2%, 62.7%). Of those with HTN, 33.3% were newly diagnosed during this study (exact 95% CI: 26.3%, 40.9%), while 69% of those previously diagnosed with HTN had uncontrolled HTN at enrollment (exact 95% CI: 60.0%, 77.6%). Age older than 50 years (p  0.0001) and a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 kg/m2 or higher (p  0.0002) were independently associated with HTN.

Conclusion:  Hypertension was highly prevalent and poorly controlled. Factors associated with HTN in PLHIV were older age and higher BMI. The study's findings support models of comprehensive healthcare delivery.