Hypertension Burden and Care Cascade Gaps Among People Living With HIV in an Urban HIV Clinic in Cameroon 2024.

BackgroundThe widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWHIV). However, this success is accompanied by a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension, which has emerged as a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this growing concern, data on the burden and care cascade of hypertension among PLWHIV in routine care settings remain limited in Cameroon.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence, associated factors, and care cascade of hypertension among PLWHIV receiving follow-up at Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon in 2024.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at the Day Hospital of Yaounde Central Hospital, a national referral center for HIV care. PLWHIV aged ≥21 years and under active follow-up were included. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with hypertension, including clinical and HIV-related parameters.ResultsA total of 554 participants were enrolled, of whom 74.0% were women, with a mean age of 50.9 years. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 36.8% (95% CI: 32.9-40.9) and was higher among men than women (45.1% vs 33.9%). Among hypertensive individuals (n = 204), 66.7% had initiated antihypertensive treatment, 45.6% were retained in care, and only 22.6% had controlled blood pressure. Factors independently associated with hypertension included longer ART duration (>16 years) (adjusted OR = 1.88;