Weight status and associated factors among HIV infected people on antiretroviral therapy in rural Dikgale, Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundUnderweight in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) complicates the management of HIV infection and contributes to mortality, whereas overweight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).AimThe study determined weight status and associated factors in people with HIV infection receiving ART.SettingRural primary health care clinics in Dikgale, Limpopo province, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study in which data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) stepwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire and calculated using WHO analysis programmes guide. Weight and height were measured using standard WHO procedures, and body mass index was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m2). Data on ART duration were extracted from patients’ files. CD4 lymphocyte counts and viral load were determined using standard laboratory techniques.ResultsOf the 214 participants, 8.9%, 54.7% and 36.4% were underweight, normal weight and overweight, respectively. Physical activity (OR: 0.99, p = 0.001) and male gender (OR: 0.29, p = 0.04) were negatively associated with overweight. Men who used tobacco were more likely to be underweight than non-tobacco users (OR: 10.87, p = 0.02). Neither ART duration nor viral load or CD4 count was independently associated with underweight or overweight in multivariate analysis.ConclusionA high proportion of people on ART were overweight and a smaller proportion underweight. There is a need to simultaneously address the two extreme weight problems in this vulnerable population through educating them on benefits of avoiding tobacco, engaging in physical activity and raising awareness of CVD risk.

Magnitude of obesity/overweight and its associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy in Jimma University Specialized and Teaching hospital, south west Ethiopia: Hospital based Crossectional study

“…This study demonstrates that those patients who had no regular mild to moderate physical activity are 1.3 times more likely to develop obesity/overweight compared to those participants with mild to moderate physical. This is in line with previous study in south Africa and Rwanda which showed People on ART who were not physically active were more likely to be overweight than those physically active (22,23). Physical activity may reduce the risk of being overweight and has a potential anti-inflammatory effect in people on ART.…”

<p>Magnitude of Obesity/Overweight and Its Associated Factors Among HIV/AIDS Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Jimma Zone Hospitals, South West Ethiopia: Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…This is in line with previous study in south Africa and Rwanda which showed People on ART who were not physically active were more likely to be overweight than those physically active. 21,22 Physical activity may reduce the risk of being overweight and has a potential anti-inflammatory effect in people on ART. On the other hand more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy or "burns off."…”

Overweight and Obesity among Recipients of Antiretroviral Therapy at HIV Clinics in Gaborone, Botswana: Factors Associated with Change in Body Mass Index

“…ART suppresses viral replication and increases CD4 count resulting in the restoration of recipients' health status [25]. us, the BMI change observed among the recipients herein might result from a natural process or interplay of different factors [11,15,26]. By preventing the advancement of HIV infection, ART allows other bodily processes to proceed normally and increase the recipients' weight.…”

“…e real contribution of ART on BMI change is therefore challenged and needs to be well defined. So far, only the restoration of recipients' health status through viral load suppression and CD4 cell increase attributed to ART is an indisputable fact [13][14][15]. e weight gain following sustained viral load suppression may be explained by multiple factors of which ART might not be a significant direct contributor.…”