Assessment of non-communicable diseases prevalence among people living with HIV on HAART in Northwestern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

The advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has significantly improved survival among people living with HIV (PLHIV), transforming HIV into a manageable chronic condition. However, this increased life expectancy has contributed to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study assessed the prevalence of NCDs and associated factors among PLHIV on HAART in Northwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study over a period of 6 months from January to June 2025 was conducted among 246 adult PLHIV who had received HAART for at least six months across Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. Multi-stage sampling was used to select respondents from secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record reviews. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were employed. Mean age of respondents was 37.0 ± 9.5 years, with 61.4% male and 38.6% female. Overall, 73.5% had no diagnosed NCDs. Among diagnosed cases, hypertension was most prevalent (Kebbi: 19.5%; Zamfara: 17.1%; Sokoto: 11.0%), followed by diabetes (Kebbi: 9.8%; Zamfara: 7.3%; Sokoto: 4.9%). Cardiovascular disease was rare (1.2% per state). Significant associations with development of NCD were identified for age (χ²=59.42, p = 0.0002), marital status (χ²=17.91, p = 0.0005), education level (χ²=8.85, p = 0.012), occupation (χ²=18.9, p = 0.0003), smoking (χ²=19.85, p = 0.0002), and HAART regimen (χ²=21.62, p = 0.0421). Hypertension and diabetes are the most prevalent NCDs among PLHIV on HAART in Northwestern Nigeria. Integrated HIV-NCD screening and management services are urgently needed, with particular attention to older adults, smokers, and those on first-line HAART regimens.