HIV / STI
Prevalence and correlates of obesity in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in Puerto Rico: A clinic-based cross-sectional study Ana P. Ortiz* Ana Patricia Ortiz Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena Cristina Muñoz Cynthia M. Pérez Humberto M. Guiot Maribel Tirado
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and due to the aging of this population. This trend contributes to an increased risk of metabolic disorders among PLWH. We aimed to compare body mass index (BMI) by HIV status in a clinic-based sample of adults in Puerto Rico (PR) and to identify factors associated with obesity in these groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the baseline visit of the Anal Neoplasia Clinic at the University of PR Comprehensive Cancer Center (N=1,237). A physician-administered questionnaire collected sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle information, including anthropometric measurements. Pearson chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with obesity. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 45±13.3 years. Most were men (67.5%) and PLWH (72.8%). Overall, 39.4% of participants were overweight (25≤BMI<30 kg/m2), 26.0% were obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2), 9.4% self-reported diabetes and 20.1% hypertension, with no significant differences by HIV status (p>0.05). Among PLWH, higher odds of obesity were seen among women compared to men (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14-1.31) and in individuals with hypertension compared to those without (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15-1.36). Among HIV-negative adults, higher odds of obesity were seen among women (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.33), and those with hypertension (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40) and diabetes (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.48) as compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a similarly high prevalence of obesity among PLWH and HIV-negative adults. Among PLWH, women and persons with hypertension had a greater burden of obesity. Findings underscore the need for targeted weight management interventions in this clinical setting to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic and obesity-related cancers in this high-risk population.