Non-communicable diseases in antiretroviral therapy recipients in Kagera Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe the extent of  self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among highly active
antiretroviral therapy (HAART) recipients in Kagera region in Tanzania and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study was conducted 2 years after HAART administration was started in Kagera region.

Methods: The SF-36 questionnaire was used to collect the HRQOL
data of 329 HAART recipients. Questions on the NCDs, socio-demographic characteristics and treatment information were validated and added to
the SF-36. Bivariate analyses involving socio-demographic characteristics and SF-36 scores of the recipients were performed. Multiple logistic
regression was employed to compute adjusted odds ratios for different explanatory variables on physical functioning and mental health scores.

Results: Respondents who reported having 1 or more NCDs were 57.8% of all the respondents. Arthritis was the commonest NCD (57.8%).
Respondents with the NCDs were more likely to have HRQOL scores below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. The population
attributable fraction (PAF) for the NCDs on physical functioning was 0.28 and on mental health was 0.22.

Conclusion: Self-reported NCDs were prevalent among the HAART recipients in Kagera region. They accounted for 28% of the physical  functioning scores and 22% of the mental health scores that were below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. Therefore, the integration of NCD care is important in the management of HIV/AIDS.