Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among HIV patients: A retrospective cross sectional study of a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: Recent studies have linked HIV and antiretrovirals with cardiovascular conditions including hypertension (HTN). HIV/HTN comorbidity may not only worsen prognosis of the diseases but may pose the challenge of non-adherence due to increased pill burden and side effects.
Objectives: This study seeks to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among HIV patients.
Methods: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional research among 254 people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, who were seen by a physician between January and August 2022. A validated data collection sheet containing all required variables was used.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension among the population of study was 15.4%. The final regression model showed that occupational status, educational level, and difference in CD4 count were not significant predictors. Increasing age (OR = 1.066; CI = 1.013 – 1.121; P = 0.014) and body mass index (BMI: OR = 1.274; CI = 1.149 – 1.413; P = 0.000) were seen to be associated with increased odds of developing hypertension.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in this study population was high. Traditional risk variables (advanced aged and increased BMI) were independently, significantly associated with hypertension but neither CD4 count, viral load nor ART use were significantly associated with it. The findings support the development of guidelines for routine blood pressure monitoring for PLWH receiving ART.