Behavioral Correlates Associated With Diabetes and Hypertension among People Living With HIV/AIDS Attending Isiolo County Referral Hospital Comprehensive Care Clinic, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.3776Keywords:
Behavioral Risk Factors, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, HIV InfectionAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study determines behavioral correlates associated with diabetes and hypertension among people living with HIV/AIDS attending Isiolo county referral hospital comprehensive care clinic, Kenya
Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical design was applied using data from 231 respondents selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square tests.
Findings: The findings showed behavioral correlates such as, tobacco use and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with hypertension and overall noncommunicable disease outcomes, while tobacco use was also significantly associated with diabetes. The association between alcohol use and diabetes was statistically significant but marginal. Physical activity and dietary variety were not significantly associated with disease outcomes. The study concludes that substance use behaviors are key drivers of cardiometabolic risk and recommends strengthening integrated behavioral screening and intervention strategies within HIV care.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theoretically, the study highlights the critical role of substance use behaviors, especially tobacco and alcohol, as key pathways driving cardiometabolic risks like hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV, suggesting that models of disease risk in this population must integrate behavioral factors more explicitly. In clinical practice, the evidence supports prioritizing systematic screening and comprehensive, patient-centered cessation interventions for substance use within routine HIV care, alongside consistent lifestyle counseling for physical activity and diet, to mitigate these risks effectively. From a policy perspective, aligning HIV programs with broader noncommunicable disease initiatives is essential; this includes incorporating behavioral risk indicators into monitoring frameworks, enhancing provider training in integrated care, and scaling community-based health promotion tailored to the specific regional context, all to improve early risk detection, preventive care continuity, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension and diabetes in this vulnerable population.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdifatah Dakane, Dr. Dennis Gichobi Magu (PhD), Dr. Joseph Mutai (PhD) , Dr. Mwiti Peter Kirimi (PhD)
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