Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among HIV-positive Patients at a Health Facility in Botswana

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with development of metabolic syndrome among people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Botswana. Study Design: Cross-sectional study design Place and Duration of Study: Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana (Africa). Only patients that had been on treatment from 1st January to 31st December 2010 were included. Methodology: A structured questionnaire and a data collection form were used to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical and laboratory data. Bivariate analysis was used to assess characteristics associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome by calculating odds ratios. Results: A total of 190 subjects participated in the study, 141 (74.2%) females and 49 (25.8%) males. The mean age of participants was 42 (±9.04) years, ranging from 24 to 71 with a median age of 40.5 years (IQR: 35 – 49). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study was 11%. In the bivariate analysis, the odds for developing MS were higher among participants who were male, obese, 41 years old and older, and those who used ART regimens containing PIs. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 11.1% among the study participants. The factors associated with it were increasing age above 41 yearsold, male gender, obesity, longer duration of treatment and the use of PIs drugs. It is recommended that patients with such characteristics should be targeted for regular monitoring of parameters defining metabolic syndrome and that a culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention program needs to be designed and implemented for Botswana patients.