PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS AGED 18-50 YEARS ATTENDING HIV CLINIC AT ENTEBBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS–SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

In Uganda, about 18% of HIV-infected adults are suffering from hypertension. The comorbidity of hypertension doubles the morbidity and mortality among hypertensive patients thereby hindering the attainment of the third sustainable development goal. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among adults aged 18-50 years attending the HIV clinic at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital in Wakiso district.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross–sectional study design that enrolled 75 respondents who were selected using a systematic sampling method was conducted. Data was collected using self – administered questionnaires and results were analyzed using STATA version 15 and results were presented in tables and pie charts.

Results:

The study revealed that social-demographic factors like male gender (58.8%), age category 41 – 50 years (64.7%), having attained tertiary education (35.3%), being married (70.6%), body weight of above 75 kilograms (47.1%) and formal employment (47.1%) were associated with hypertension. Clinical characteristics associated with hypertension were CD4 counts of 200 – 500 cells/mm³, viral load of over 200 copies/ml, and other chronic illnesses (64.7%). Alcoholic consumption (52.9%) and not engaging in physical exercises (64.7%) were some of the behavioral and lifestyle characteristics that influenced hypertension.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of hypertension among adult HIV patients aged 18 – 50 years was high (22.7%) mainly associated with older age, male gender, high body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and presence of comorbidities.

Recommendation:

The Ministry of Health should incorporate comprehensive hypertension care into HIV care to increase accessibility since there is a higher prevalence among this population