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Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for 71% of deaths worldwide in 2019. This trend extends to sub-Saharan Africa, where NCDs are expected to overtake infectious diseases by 2030 amid rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing lifestyles. People living with HIV may be at even greater risk of NCDs due to chronic inflammation caused by HIV, co-infections, side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and shared risk factors. However, research on NCD/HIV comorbidities is scarce in West Africa, which bears more than 30% of the global HIV burden. This study provides insights into the burden of NCD in HIV care in Guinea and reflects a growing regional trend. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, and cancer among HIV-infected adults receiving care at a national hospital in Guinea. A retrospective analysis of the anonymized medical records of 901 HIV-infected adults was conducted using data from June to December 2021. Participants were receiving care at Donka National Hospital in Guinea. NCD diagnoses and sociodemographic and clinical variables were extracted from records. Logistic regression identified factors associated with each NCD. The prevalence was 36.7% for hypertension, 34.0% for diabetes and 21.4% for cancer. Older age, alcohol use, higher BMI, and viral load predicted hypertension risk. Diabetes is associated with no alcohol use, higher viral load, older age and normal BMI. Cancer is associated with smoking, alcohol use and older age. Integrating NCD and HIV services is warranted in Guinea, given the substantial burden observed. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm these patterns and inform prevention and management strategies. Key words: HIV, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, non-communicable diseases, comorbidities, Guinea.
Aly et al. (Tue,) studied this question.