The prevalence of comorbidity among people living with HIV/AIDS in Guyana: a cross-sectional study.
Comorbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are increasing as life expectancy improves with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of these conditions in Guyana is essential for improving clinical outcomes. To evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities among PLHA in Guyana and to identify the most prevalent comorbidities and associated risk factors from January 2017 to December 2022.
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 1066 patients across 10 HIV care and treatment centers in regions 3, 4, and 10. Data were collected using a standardized tool, coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, and analyzed using SPSS.
Overall, 57.2% had at least one comorbid condition, with hypertension (29.5%), obesity (12.8%), and diabetes mellitus type II (7.4%) being the most prevalent. Significant factors associated with comorbidity included age (P < 0.001), ethnicity (P = 0.047), same-sex relations (P = 0.027), ART use (P < 0.001), and adherence level (P < 0.001).
Comorbidities are common among PLHA in Guyana and have important implications for HIV management. Recommendation: Implementation of routine screening and management protocols for common comorbidities in PLHA is crucial for improving patient care in Guyana.
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 1066 patients across 10 HIV care and treatment centers in regions 3, 4, and 10. Data were collected using a standardized tool, coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, and analyzed using SPSS.
Overall, 57.2% had at least one comorbid condition, with hypertension (29.5%), obesity (12.8%), and diabetes mellitus type II (7.4%) being the most prevalent. Significant factors associated with comorbidity included age (P < 0.001), ethnicity (P = 0.047), same-sex relations (P = 0.027), ART use (P < 0.001), and adherence level (P < 0.001).
Comorbidities are common among PLHA in Guyana and have important implications for HIV management. Recommendation: Implementation of routine screening and management protocols for common comorbidities in PLHA is crucial for improving patient care in Guyana.