Perceived risk for hypertension and associated factors among adult persons living with HIV in Kamuli district, Uganda

BackgroundPersons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) are at a higher risk of developing hypertension. Preventive measures can be taken to lower this risk, but it is important for PLHIV to be aware of this risk. However, it is unclear whether PLHIV perceive themselves to be at risk for hypertension, and if they do, it is unknown to what extent they perceive this risk. This information is crucial in designing and implementing appropriate preventive measures for hypertension targeting this high-risk population. Our study aimed to provide evidence on the level of risk perception for hypertension and associated factors among PLHIV in Kamuli District. MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among 392 adult PLHIV in Kamuli District. The participants were selected using consecutive sampling and pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect data which later analysed in STATA version 15.0. Descriptive analysis was carried out and data was summarized using frequencies and means. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine factors independently associated with low-risk perception for hypertension. ResultMore than half, 68.1% (267/392) perceived themselves to be at low-risk for hypertension. Factors associated with low-risk perception were: residing in peri-urban area (APR=1.23; 95%CI: 1.04 -1.46) and urban areas (APR=0.73; 95%CI:0.54-0.99); having low knowledge of hypertension (APR=1.98; 95%CI: 1.55-2.53); low trust for health workers (APR=1.13; 95%CI: 1.01-1.25); having no other NCD (APR=1.38; 95%CI: 1.00-1.89); having no family history of hypertension (APR=1.42; 95%CI: 1.20-1.68); and consumption of sufficient fruits/vegetables (APR=1.13; 95%CI: 1.01-1.27). RecommendationThere is need to implement appropriate health education programs specifically tailored to increasing knowledge and risk perception for hypertension among PLHIV. Health workers can integrate routine risk assessments into HIV care to identify PLHIV who are at very high-risk of developing hypertension and provide them with personalized care. This can influence adoption of hypertension preventive measures.