Key result
Hypertension affects ~25% of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa, yet few achieve BP control.
Why the study?
Poor hypertension prevention among PLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa may undermine progress achieved in HIV prevention within this population.
What is the burden of hypertension, and the challenges encountered in the prevention cascade among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa?
Meta-Analysis (n=32,286)
Yes
What is the burden of hypertension, and the challenges encountered in the prevention cascade among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa?
Despite high hypertension prevalence and screening rates among PLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa, treatment initiation and blood pressure control remain alarmingly low due to patient, provider, and health system barriers.
Highlights unmet hypertension treatment needs among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa; leaves open effective integration strategies.
Objectives: Poor hypertension prevention among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa may undermine progress in HIV prevention achieved within this population. This review synthesizes data on the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, control, and challenges related to hypertension prevention among PLHIV in SSA. Methods: A mixed-method systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted from January to December 2024. Data analysis was performed using random-effects modeling stratified by age and sex, along with thematic analysis. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used to assess study quality. Results: A total of 31 studies, including 32286 PLHIV (±37 years old), were included. Hypertension affected 25% [95% CI, 21%-28%] of PLHIV, yet only 34% [95% CI, 11%-64%] of cases received treatment, and 19% [95% CI, 3%-34%] had controlled blood pressure, despite BP measurement in 95% [95% CI, 89%-100%] of them. Conclusion: Hypertension prevention challenges stem from patient-related factors, healthcare providers, and health system gaps. Despite the high prevalence of hypertension among PLHIV, treatment initiation and blood pressure control rates remain low. Strengthening the integration of HIV and hypertension care services is urgently needed.
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Nang et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Hypertension in People Living with HIV (n=32,286). Hypertension screening and treatment was evaluated on Prevalence of hypertension (95% CI 21%-28%). Hypertension affected 25% of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, yet only a small fraction received treatment and 19% achieved blood pressure control.
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