Non-communicable diseases in antiretroviral therapy recipients in Kagera Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Mgaywa Gilbert Mjungu Damas
MG
Magafu
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, Japan.
Kazuhiko
K
Moji
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
Ehimario Uche
EU
Igumbor
Japan Overseas Christian Medical Co-operative Services, C/o Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tabora, Private Bag, Tabora, Tanzania.
Naoko Shimizu
NS
Magafu
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Michael
M
Mwandri
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Julius Chacha
JC
Mwita
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Dereje
D
Habte
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Godfrey Mutashambara
GM
Rwegerera
Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan.
Masahiro
M
Hashizume
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*
HIV/AIDS; Non-communicable diseases; Tanzania; health-related quality of life; highly active antiretroviral therapy