Predictors of Hypertension Among HIV Infected Adults in Botswana, Africa

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship of body composition with hypertension (HTN) in asymptomatic HIV+ adults.MethodsAfter consenting, 746 asymptomatic HIV+ adults were given demographic and nutritional questionnaires. Anthropometries were taken, and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. HTN was defined as a diagnosis of HTN in the medical record, treatment for HTN, or having a blood pressure >140/90. Student t‐test and linear regression models were used.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 33.4±8.0 years, 72.48% were women and 18.5% had HTN. Those with HTN were significantly older (38.3±8.7 vs 32.2±7.4, p=<.0001), had higher BMI (26.1±6.2 vs 23.9±4.5 kg/m2, p=0.0001), lean body mass kg (48.5±10.9 vs 45.6±7.9, p=0.0036), fat mass kg (22.7±11.9 vs 18.6±8.3, p=0.0002), and fat mass % (30.5±9.6 vs 28.2±9.0, p=0.0095) than those without HTN. Lean body mass/total mass, however, was lower in those with HTN (69.4±9.6 vs 71.7±9.0, p=0.0095). When all the significant variables were entered into regression analyses with systolic pressure, only waist (p=0.034) and hip size (p=0.041) remained significant after adjusting for age and gender.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HTN among asymptomatic HIV+ adults in Botswana is higher than that of the general population (7.8%) in the same age groups. Of the risk factors considered, waist and hip size were the best predictors of HTN.Supported by NIDA