Associations of anaemia with blood pressure in women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Date
2024
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African Field Epidemiology Network
Abstract
Introduction: South Africa has approximately 8.45 million adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with women being higher at risk. Anaemia is proportional to HIV severity and a predictor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to determine associations between anaemia, HIV, and blood pressure among women of childbearing age in Roodepoort, a suburb within the city of Johannesburg. Methods: in this cross-sectional study premenopausal women were recruited from a primary healthcare facility, Johannesburg. Socio-demographics, lifestyle behaviours, and medical history, including HIV status, were collected. Anthropometrical measurements and blood pressure (BP) were obtained, and venous blood was drawn to determine hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Multiple-and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between hemoglobin (Hb), HIV and blood pressure (BP). Results: of 228 women, 72% were pregnant and 22% HIV positive. Pregnant women had lower BP (SPB: 104 ± 11 vs 115 ± 11 mmHg, p<0.001; diastolic BP (DBP): 68 ± 8 vs 80±10 mmHg, p<0.001) compared to non-pregnant women. Hb levels were lower among HIV positive compared to HIV negative participants (11.4 ± 1.6 vs 12.1 ± 1.4 g/dL, p=0.010). More HIV positive women were classified as anaemic (37% vs 16%, p=0.003). In unadjusted multiple linear models, Hb concentration was associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β 1.20 (95% CI, 0.28, 2.33), p=0.013) and DBP (β 1.94 (95% CI, 1.08,2.80) p <0.001), and in unadjusted logistic regression models, women with anaemia had increased odds for hypertension (OR 1.18 (95% CI, 1.20, 2.80), p=0.006). However, in both cases, significance was lost when adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: the results suggest anaemia may be a risk factor for hypertension and should be investigated in larger, homogenous samples.
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Keywords
Anaemia, Cardiovascular diseases, HIV, Hypertension, South Africa
Citation
Nxele, X. and Symington, E., 2024. Associations of anaemia with blood pressure in women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Pan African Medical Journal, 48, p.99.