Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV on Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Tanzania.

PURPOSE: Chronic systemic inflammation from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may cause metabolic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Additionally, the development of metabolic syndrome has been associated with specific anti-retroviral therapy, particularly dolutegravir. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.

METHODS

This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, among 312 people living with HIV. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including anthropometric indices and a blood pressure reading. A blood sample was collected to measure plasma glucose levels and serum lipid levels. The outcome being metabolic syndrome, odds ratios were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and a P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 42.3%. Waist circumference (73%) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (59.9%) were the most prevalent components. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were patients aged 18-44 years (aOR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.24-7.79; P = .016), female gender (aOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.07-14.13; P = .001), no physical activity (aOR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.05-15.10; P = .042), and patients who earned >300 000 Tanzanian shillings per month (aOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07-4.32; P = .032).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients on dolutegravir-based therapy is high. There is a need to adhere to routine screening of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.