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. 2023 Sep 18;24(1):1495.
doi: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v24i1.1495. eCollection 2023.

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

Limakatso Lebina  1   2 , Tumiso Malatji  3 , Firdaus Nabeemeeah  1 , Kegaugetswe Motsomi  1 , Tsundzukani Siwelana  1 , Khuthadzo Hlongwane  1 , Neil Martinson  1   4
Affiliations

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

Limakatso Lebina et al. South Afr J HIV Med. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: NCD; PLWH; chronic diseases; diabetes; hypertension.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Diagrammatic representation of participants enrolled and analysed on the prevalence of multimorbidity in virally suppressed HIV-positive patients.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Prevalence of some unhealthy habits among participants enrolled in the study on the prevalence of multimorbidity in virally suppressed HIV-positive patients. (a) Sugary drinks consumption in a day. (b) Weekly usage of table salt or seasoning. (c) Weekly usage of processed food. (d) Weekly usage of salty sauce when cooking.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Prevalence of some healthy habits among participants enrolled in the study of the prevalence of multimorbidity in virally suppressed HIV-positive patients. (a) Weekly vegetable consumption. (b) Weekly fruit consumption. (c) Proportion of participants that exercise. (d) Types of exercise.
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