Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Amongst People Living with HIV Receiving Treatment at The Zonal Hospital Ahoada, Rivers State of Nigeria

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that increasingly impact people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially in resource-limited settings. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has extended life expectancy among PLHIV but poses metabolic and cardiovascular challenges, necessitating comprehensive NCD management. This study evaluates the prevalence and determinants of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among PLHIV receiving ART at Zonal Hospital Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria. Aim/Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among PLHIV, examine associations with ART duration, and provide data for integrated NCD and HIV care models. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to February 2023. A total of 173 PLHIV receiving ART were consecutively recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using the Electronic Medical Record system. Hypertension and diabetes prevalence were assessed through blood pressure and fasting blood glucose measurements, respectively. Statistical analysis, including chi-square and logistic regression, was conducted using SPSS v25 to explore associations between NCDs and ART duration. Results: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among PLHIV was 22% and 27.2%, respectively. Hypertension was most prevalent among participants on ART for over 10 years (28.6%), while diabetes peaked among those on ART for 1–5 years (29.5%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between ART duration and hypertension (P = 0.76) or diabetes (P = 0.19). Demographic data showed that the majority of participants were female (74.6%) and aged 50 years or older (47.4%), with high unemployment rates (90.8%). Conclusion: PLHIV in this study demonstrated a significant burden of hypertension and diabetes, underlining the need for integrated HIV and NCD management. While ART duration showed no significant association with NCD prevalence, other factors such as age and socioeconomic status likely contribute to these outcomes. Comprehensive screening and targeted interventions are essential to improve health outcomes in this population.