Non-communicable diseases comorbidity among HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Sidama Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Improved HIV treatments have made the disease manageable, yet longer lifespans raise non-communicable disease (NCD) comorbidity. Limited data exists on the magnitude of NCD comorbidity and its factors. This study aimed to study NCD comorbidity among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study at HUCSH's ART clinic in Sidama Region, Ethiopia, collected data from 474 HIV-positive adults aged 18 years and above from January 1 to March 31, 2019. The study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. The NCD comorbidity was assessed using blood glucose and pressure measurements. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the WHO STEP questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with NCD comorbidity among HIV-positive adults. Results: The magnitude of NCD comorbidity among HIV clients receiving ART was 26.3% (95% CI: 22.3% - 30.6%). Higher odds of NCD comorbidity were observed in individuals aged 36–50 years (AOR: 3.77; 95% CI: 1.95, 7.30) and above 50 years (AOR: 5.14; 95% CI: 2.29, 11.53). Overweight (AOR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.77, 5.09), obesity (AOR: 4.21; 95% CI: 2.05, 8.65), and alcohol use (AOR: 3.62; 95% CI: 1.42, 9.25) showed increased odds of NCD comorbidity. Conclusion: The study found high NCD comorbidity in HIV patients on ART, linked to age, weight, alcohol use, and central obesity. Integrating NCD screenings into HIV care and targeted interventions for weight and alcohol control can reduce the NCD burden.