Evaluation of risk factors for obesity among HIV positive adults on antiretroviral therapy in Delta State, Nigeria

A substantial shift in the causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected humans has been reported in recent times. Literature reports on the biomarkers of immunity have been reported in nations most severely hit by the HIV epidemic. Information on the health indicators of obesity and HIV, and their associated risk factors is scarce. This study evaluated the risk factors for obesity in HIV positive adults (18-50years) on antiretroviral therapy in Central Hospital, Warri Nigeria. A total of 500 records from 2018 to 2022 were included in this study. Obtained data includes clinical (CD₄ count in cells/mm³) and anthropometric parameters (body weight in kg, height in meters, and body mass index in kg/m²). A multivariate analysis of obtained data was used to determine the risk factors for obesity among patients. The number of adults whose BMI is more than 30 increases progressively from commencement of this study. The observed differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Female gender (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.81 - 2.67), low baseline BMI16.99-18.49kg/m² (OR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3 -2.2), and baseline CD4 count less than 200cells/mm³ (OR 1.51; 95% CI: 1.31 - 2.09) were associated with development of obesity at multivariate analysis. Patients’ age, marital status, level of education, identifiable risk for HIV transmission, social class, and opportunistic infections were not associated with obesity after controlling for confounding variables. Hence, programs aimed at preventing obesity should be incorporated into the national guideline, with more focus on women, and other patients with the identified risk factors.