Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda. Methods We analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus. Results We enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas. Conclusion In a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region

Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda. Methods We analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus. Results We enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas. Conclusion In a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region

Lung function and atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional study of multimorbidity in rural Uganda

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of global mortality. In high-income settings, the presence of cardiovascular disease among people with COPD increases mortality and complicates longitudinal disease management. An estimated 26 million people are living with COPD in sub-Saharan Africa, where risk factors for co-occurring pulmonary and cardiovascular disease may differ from high-income settings but remain uncharacterized. As non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, defining multimorbidity in this setting is critical to inform the required scale-up of existing healthcare infrastructure. Methods: We measured lung function and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) among participants in the UGANDAC Study. Study participants were over 40 years old and equally divided into people living with HIV (PLWH) and an age- and sex-similar, HIV-uninfected control population. We fit multivariable linear regression models to characterize the relationship between lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1) and pre-clinical atherosclerosis (cIMT), and evaluated for effect modification by age, sex, smoking history, HIV, and socioeconomic status. Results: Of 265 participants, median age was 52 years, 125 (47%) were women, and 140 (53%) were PLWH. Most participants who met criteria for COPD were PLWH (13/17, 76%). Median cIMT was 0.67 mm (IQR: 0.60 to 0.74), which did not differ by HIV serostatus. In models adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, smoking, and HIV, lower FEV1 was associated with increased cIMT (β = 0.006 per 200 mL FEV1 decrease; 95% CI 0.002 to 0.011, p = 0.01). There was no evidence that age, sex, HIV serostatus, smoking, or socioeconomic status modified the relationship between FEV1 and cIMT. Conclusions: Impaired lung function was associated with increased cIMT, a measure of pre-clinical atherosclerosis, among adults with and without HIV in rural Uganda. Future work should explore how co-occurring lung and cardiovascular disease might share risk factors and contribute to health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa

Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda.MethodsWe analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus.ResultsWe enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas.ConclusionIn a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region

Distribution and Performance of Cardiovascular Risk Scores in a Mixed Population of HIV-Infected and Community-Based HIV-Uninfected Individuals in Uganda

Background: The utility and validity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk scores are not well studied in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared and correlated CVD risk scores with carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) among HIV-infected and uninfected people in Uganda. Methods: We first calculated CVD risk using the (1) Framingham laboratory–based score; (2) Framingham nonlaboratory score (FRS-BMI); (3) Reynolds risk score; (4) American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association score; and (5) the Data collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs score. We then compared absolute risk scores and risk categories across each score using Pearson correlation and kappa statistics, respectively. Finally, we fit linear regression models to estimate the strength of association between each risk score and c-IMT. Results: Of 205 participants, half were females and median age was 49 years [interquartile range (IQR) 46–53]. Median CD4 count was 430 cells/mm3 (IQR 334–546), with median 7 years of antiretroviral therapy exposure (IQR 6.4–7.5). HIV-uninfected participants had a higher median systolic blood pressure (121 vs. 110 mm Hg), prevalent current smokers (18% vs. 4%, P = 0.001), higher median CVD risk scores (P \u3c 0.003), and greater c-IMT (0.68 vs. 0.63, P = 0.003). Overall, FRS-BMI was highly correlated with other risk scores (all rho \u3e0.80). In linear regression models, we found significant correlations between increasing CVD risk and higher c-IMT (P \u3c 0.01 in all models). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study from Uganda, the FRS-BMI correlated well with standard risk scores and c-IMT. HIV-uninfected individuals had higher risk scores than HIV-infected individuals, and the difference seemed to be driven by modifiable factors

Table1_Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda.pdf

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda.MethodsWe analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus.ResultsWe enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas.ConclusionIn a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region.</p

Table2_Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda.pdf

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda.MethodsWe analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus.ResultsWe enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas.ConclusionIn a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region.</p

Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Mixed Cohort of HIV-Infected and Uninfected Ugandans

Preventable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are responsible for the majority of CVD-related deaths, and are increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality for HIV-infected persons taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Simplified tools such as the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) construct may identify and prognosticate CVD risk in resource-limited settings. No studies have evaluated iCVH metrics in sub-Saharan Africa or among HIV-infected adults. Thus, the central aim of this study was to compare levels of iCVH metrics and their correlations with carotid atherosclerosis for HIV-infected adults versus uninfected controls in a well-phenotyped Ugandan cohort. We analyzed the prevalence of iCVH metrics in a mixed cohort of HIV-infected persons on stable ART and uninfected, population-based comparators in Mbarara, Uganda. We also assessed the validity of iCVH by correlating iCVH values with common carotid intima media thickness (CCIMT). HIV-infected persons had a mean of 4.9 (SD 1.1) iCVH metrics at ideal levels versus 4.3 (SD 1.2) for uninfected controls (p = .002). This difference was largely driven by differences in blood pressure, blood glucose, and diet. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, each additional iCVH metric at an ideal level was associated with a significant 0.024 mm decrease in CCIMT (p < .001).HIV-infected persons on ART in rural Uganda had more iCVH metrics at ideal levels than uninfected persons. The difference appeared driven by factors that are putatively influenced by access to routine medical care. Composite scores of iCVH metrics were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and more predictive of atherosclerosis for uninfected persons

Persistent Immune Activation and Carotid Atherosclerosis in HIV-Infected Ugandans Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and associated immune activation predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in resource-rich areas. Less is known about these relationships in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsBeginning in 2005, we enrolled subjects in southwestern Uganda into a cohort at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Multiple immune activation measures were assessed before and 6 months after ART initiation. Beginning in 2013, participants aged &gt;40 years underwent metabolic profiling, including measurement of hemoglobin A1c and lipid levels and carotid ultrasonography. We fit regression models to identify traditional and HIV-specific correlates of common carotid intima media thickness (CCIMT).ResultsA total of 105 participants completed carotid ultrasonography, with a median completion time of 7 years following ART initiation. Age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and pre-ART HIV load were correlated with CCIMT. No association was found between CCIMT and any pre-ART biomarkers of immune activation. However, in multivariable models adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors, lower absolute levels of soluble CD14 and interleukin 6 and greater declines in the CD14 level and kynurenine-tryptophan ratio after 6 months of ART predicted a lower CCIMT years later (P &lt; .01).ConclusionsPersistent immune activation despite ART-mediated viral suppression predicts the future atherosclerotic burden among HIV-infected Ugandans. Future work should focus on clinical correlates of these relationships, to elucidate the long-term health priorities for HIV-infected people in the region

Persistent Immune Activation and Carotid Atherosclerosis in HIV-Infected Ugandans Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and associated immune activation predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in resource-rich areas. Less is known about these relationships in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. Beginning in 2005, we enrolled subjects in southwestern Uganda into a cohort at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Multiple immune activation measures were assessed before and 6 months after ART initiation. Beginning in 2013, participants aged >40 years underwent metabolic profiling, including measurement of hemoglobin A1c and lipid levels and carotid ultrasonography. We fit regression models to identify traditional and HIV-specific correlates of common carotid intima media thickness (CCIMT). Results. A total of 105 participants completed carotid ultrasonography, with a median completion time of 7 years following ART initiation. Age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and pre-ART HIV load were correlated with CCIMT. No association was found between CCIMT and any pre-ART biomarkers of immune activation. However, in multivariable models adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors, lower absolute levels of soluble CD14 and interleukin 6 and greater declines in the CD14 level and kynurenine-tryptophan ratio after 6 months of ART predicted a lower CCIMT years later (P < .01). Conclusions. Persistent immune activation despite ART-mediated viral suppression predicts the future atherosclerotic burden among HIV-infected Ugandans. Future work should focus on clinical correlates of these relationships, to elucidate the long-term health priorities for HIV-infected people in the region