The magnitude of hypertension and associated factors among clients on highly active antiretroviral treatment in Southern Ethiopia, 2020: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Following the introduction of Highly Active Anti Retro Viral Treatment (HAART), the survival of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) has improved. However, hypertension remains a major challenge for people living with HIV. Very little effort has been made to examine the magnitude of hypertension and its contributing factors among clients receiving HAART, particularly in southern Ethiopia. Hence, the current study aimed at determining the frequency of Hypertension and associated factors among clients receiving HAART at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study took place from January 20- March 20, 2020. A systematic sampling technique was employed in the selection of 397 clients. Interviewer administered pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters of PLHIV were measured. The data was encoded and entered using Epi Data Version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Then bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to present the estimated effect size and declare the presence of statistically significant association respectively. RESULTS: The magnitude of hypertension among clients on HAART was 11.0% 95% CI [7.93, 14.04]. Being on HAART for at least 60 months (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.24–5.21), being on TDF/3TC/EFV combination (AOR: 4.61, 95% CI: 2.52–8.3), and high alcohol consumption (AOR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.84–10.02) were identified as significant predictors of hypertension among clients on HAART. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The magnitude of hypertension in the study area was in a considerable state to plan and implement intervention measures. For those clients who have received TDF/3TC/EFV and TDF/3TC/NVP and those who have been on HAART for 60 months, a strong emphasis should be placed on planning a strict follow-up. A concerted effort among health care providers is needed through counseling and education to discourage the habit of high alcohol consumption among clients.