Behavioral risk factors for hypertension among adults living with HIV accessing care in secondary health facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria.

backgroundExcess risk for cardiovascular disease, especially hypertension, may exist among human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)-positive persons. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of the behavioral risk factors for hypertension, including their awareness of these factors and their attitudes toward them.

methodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 HIV-infected adults who accessed care in nine secondary health facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria. Respondents were selected by multistage sampling and data elicited using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP) was measured thrice and a respondent was considered as having raised BP if the mean of the last two measurements is ≥140 mm Hg (systolic BP) or ≥90 mm Hg (diastolic BP) or if respondents are currently taking anti-hypertensive.

resultsPrevalence of key behavioral risk factors for hypertension was high. For instance, 82.0% of the respondents were physically inactive. Stress and physical inactivity were the two most known risks of hypertension, identified by 87.3% and 70.5% of the respondents, respectively. Majority (66.0%) had positive attitudes toward hypertension risk factors and 26.7% of them had raised BP. Lower age, that is, 30 years and below (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.26-6.64), BMI of less than 25 (OR = 1.87, 95 CI = 1.16-3.01), and being diagnosed of HIV for 5 years and less (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.006-2.62) were significantly associated with normal BP measurements among respondents.

conclusionThe proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS who show known behaviors that place them at risk for hypertension is high. Measures to address these risk factors among them are warranted.