Abstract
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe the extent of self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) recipients in Kagera region in Tanzania and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study was conducted 2 years after HAART administration was started in Kagera region.MethodsThe SF-36 questionnaire was used to collect the HRQOL data of 329 HAART recipients. Questions on the NCDs, socio-demographic characteristics and treatment information were validated and added to the SF-36. Bivariate analyses involving socio-demographic characteristics and SF-36 scores of the recipients were performed. Multiple logistic regression was employed to compute adjusted odds ratios for different explanatory variables on physical functioning and mental health scores.ResultsRespondents who reported having 1 or more NCDs were 57.8% of all the respondents. Arthritis was the commonest NCD (57.8%). Respondents with the NCDs were more likely to have HRQOL scores below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. The population attributable fraction (PAF) for the NCDs on physical functioning was 0.28 and on mental health was 0.22.ConclusionSelf-reported NCDs were prevalent among the HAART recipients in Kagera region. They accounted for 28% of the physical functioning scores and 22% of the mental health scores that were below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. Therefore, the integration of NCD care is important in the management of HIV/AIDS.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to describe the extent of self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) recipients in Kagera region in Tanzania and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL)
Inflammation by HIV, HAART effect, opportunistic infections or their treatment, and traditional risk factors like obesity are among the factors which have been cited for the high prevalence of NCDs in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) [6,7,12,]
Summary of the findings This study revealed high prevalence of self-reported NCDs among PLWHA on HAART at the Kagera Regional Hospital in Tanzania
Summary
The aim of this study was to describe the extent of self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) recipients in Kagera region in Tanzania and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Conclusion: Self-reported NCDs were prevalent among the HAART recipients in Kagera region They accounted for 28% of the physical functioning scores and 22% of the mental health scores that were below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. The life expectancy of HAART recipients has increased [5,11], like any other aging population, the recipients begin to suffer from an increased occurrence of chronic diseases including NCDs [11] This phenomenon may represent a sort of an epidemiological transition whereby infectious diseases overlap with NCDs. Inflammation by HIV, HAART effect, opportunistic infections or their treatment, and traditional risk factors like obesity are among the factors which have been cited for the high prevalence of NCDs in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) [6,7,12,]. Results from this study may guide health policy-makers and clinicians in making decisions on how to best manage both HIV/AIDS and the NCDs
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