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.