Influences of gender in metabolic syndrome and its components among people living with HIV virus using antiretroviral treatment in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the influences of gender in metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients using antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Ethiopia is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the influences of gender in MetS and its components among HIV-infected patients receiving ART. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2012 and April 2013. Data on demographic, clinical and anthropometric characteristics were collected from 185 HIV patients using ART. Glucose and lipid profiles were measured from overnight fast blood. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and United States national cholesterol education program: adult treatment (US NCEP-ATP) panel III criteria were used to define MetS. RESULT: A total number of 185 (36.8 % males and 63.2 % females) participants were recruited in this study. The overall prevalence of MetS was 24.3 and 17.8 %, diagnosed using IDF and NCEP-ATP criteria respectively. Using IDF criteria, MetS was significantly higher in females compared to males (33.3 vs. 8.8 %; p = <0.0001) respectively. Low HDL-c and central obesity were significantly higher MetS components in female compared to males (p = 0.003); and (p = <0.0001, using IDF and NCEP-ATP criteria) respectively. BMI >25 kg/m(2) was significantly associated with MetS in both IDF and NCEP-ATP criteria: unadjusted (UOR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95 % CI were 3.0 (1.3–6.5) and 3.8 (1.5–9.8); as well as 3.2 (1.4–7.4) and 3.4 (1.4–7.4) respectively. Furthermore age >40 years was significantly associated with MetS using NCEP-ATP: UOR and AOR (95 % CI) were 3.1 (1.2–8.3), and 3.8 (1–13.70) respectively. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive medical care approach including with MetS components are a crucial instruments in order to minimize the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in HIV-infected patients using ART.