Evaluation of Smoking and Alcohol Consumption as Determinants of High Blood Pressure among People Living with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Zamfara

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases have been reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study evaluated the role of smoking and alcohol consumption as potential determinants of high blood pressure among 424 PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zamfara. The study involved participants aged 18-60 years and above, with a higher female (70.3%) representation. Current smoking and alcohol use were recorded at 7.1% and 2.8% respectively, with higher rates among males. Meanwhile, the use of smokeless tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke stood at 2.4% and 13.0% respectively. On average, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was found to be higher in males (128.8 and 86.1 mmHg respectively) than in females (125.0 and 85.3 mmHg respectively). Interestingly, raised blood pressure, defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, was observed more frequently in females (23.4%) than males (11.7%). This discrepancy may be due to a higher number of female participants or other unidentified factors. The data suggest that while smoking and alcohol consumption among the PLWH under ART in Zamfara are not rampant, there is a mild association with high blood pressure. Further research is required to clarify the relationships between these behaviours and high blood pressure in this population. Public health strategies targeting modifiable risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption may assist in managing high blood pressure among PLWH receiving ART.