Background: With the widespread use
of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLHIV) are living
longer, resulting in an increasing proportion of individuals aged ≥50 years.
This aging population is at a higher risk of developing non-communicable
diseases and multiple co-morbidities.
Objective: To assess the prevalence
of co-morbidities and their association with demographic, clinical, and
treatment-related factors among PLHIV aged ≥50 years.
Methods: This observational
cross-sectional study included 500 HIV-positive patients aged ≥50 years
attending a tertiary care ART centre. Data on demographic characteristics,
clinical profile, laboratory parameters, and treatment history were collected
and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results and Discussion: Diabetes
mellitus and hypertension were the most prevalent co-morbidities. Females
showed a higher prevalence of diabetes and ischemic heart disease, while males
had higher rates of tuberculosis, dyslipidaemia, and renal dysfunction. Males
also demonstrated poorer glycemic control, whereas females showed better
treatment uptake and adherence. Longer duration of HIV infection and ART
exposure was significantly associated with an increased burden of
co-morbidities.
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