The prevalence of multimorbidity in virally suppressed HIV-positive patients in Limpopo

• Main Authors: Limakatso Lebina (Author), Tumiso Malatji (Author), Firdaus Nabeemeeah (Author), Kegaugetswe Motsomi (Author), Tsundzukani Siwelana (Author), Khuthadzo Hlongwane (Author), Neil Martinson (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: AOSIS, 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1608-9693; 2078-6751; 10.4102/sajhivmed.v24i1.1495
• Keywords: ncd; plwh; hypertension; diabetes; chronic diseases; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216
• Source: Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp e1-e7 (2023)

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an emerging global public health problem. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors among adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Method: This was a cross-sectional study (July 2019 - January 2020) in Limpopo, South Africa. Patients were enrolled if they were ≥ 40 years, HIV-positive, and virologically suppressed on ART. Data were analysed descriptively, and a binomial regression model was used to identify risk factors for NCDs. Results: The majority of participants (65%; 319/488) were women. Most (83%; 405/488) were aged 40-59 years; 60% (285/472) were overweight or obese. Based on self-report, 22% (107/488) were currently smokers. Almost half (44%) 213/488) reported daily consumption of vegetables and 65% (319/488) exercised regularly and 39% (190/488) reported treatment for another chronic disease. The leading comorbid conditions were hypertension (32%; 158/488) and diabetes mellitus (5%; 24/488). Risk factors for hypertension included age 60 years and older (relative risk [RR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-2.30) diabetes (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.08-1.87), overweight (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03-1.69) and obesity (RR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.32-2.17). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence, both of risk factors for NCDs and multimorbidity ( 1 chronic disease) in patients who are ≥ 40 years and virologically suppressed on ART.