Prevalence and associated factors of type 2 diabetes among HIV-infected patients at Arsi University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia, 2023

The utilization of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly extends the lifespan of People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) and markedly reduces HIV-related morbidity and mortality. On a global scale, non-communicable diseases associated with HIV, such as diabetes, are emerging as significant public health concerns. The prolonged use of HAART, coupled with the increasing burden of chronic comorbidities resulting from longer life expectancy, has become a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated factors among adult HIV patients at Asella Teaching and Referral Hospitals. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1, to December 30, 2023, among selected HIV patients at Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital. The data were collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire adapted from the STEP wise approach of the World Health Organization. The collected data were analysed using SPSS 26. Descriptive analysis such as frequency and mean was used to represent the characteristic of the study population and the prevalence of diabetes among the study participants. Bi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to identify candidate variables at p < 0.2, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant factors associated with prevalence of diabetes among HIV patients at a p value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. A total of 159 responses were received, yielding a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of diabetes among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) receiving HAART was 10.7% (95% CI: 6.35–16.57), while 5.0% of the study participants had pre-diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression result revealed that being physically inactive (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI = 3.82(2.1–14.0), having hypertension (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI = 2.5–23.1) and LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dl (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.13–18.30) were found to be associated factors with diabetes mellitus in PLWHIV. Among people living with HIV, physical inactivity, elevated blood pressure, and elevated LDL cholesterol were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of promoting regular physical activity and routine screening for blood pressure and lipid profiles as part of comprehensive HIV care to facilitate the early identification and management of diabetes.