Impact of HAART Duration on Cardiometabolic Diseases and Biochemical Parameters in HIV-Positive Individuals in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of HAART and cardiometabolic diseases and selected biochemical parameters among HIV-positive adults in Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 HIV-positive adults receiving HAART at the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri. Participants were stratified according to HAART duration into three groups: ≤2 years, >2–5 years, and >5 years. Sociodemographic data, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile including total cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association between HAART duration and cardiometabolic disease, adjusting for key covariates.

Results: The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease increased progressively with longer HAART duration, being highest among participants on therapy for >5 years (52.1%) compared with those on ≤2 years (21.4%) and >2–5 years (34.8%) (p < 0.001). Participants in the >5-year group exhibited significantly higher mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c, alongside lower HDL-C levels (all p < 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounders, HAART duration >5 years remained independently associated with cardiometabolic disease (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9–4.3). Older age, elevated BMI, female sex, and protease inhibitor use were also significantly associated with cardiometabolic disease.

Conclusion: Longer HAART duration was independently associated with increased cardiometabolic disease and adverse metabolic profiles among HIV-positive adults, highlighting the need for routine cardiometabolic monitoring, especially in resource-limited settings.