Syengo, Sarah MalindaMathenge, Scholastica GatwiriChengo, Nelson2026-01-212026-01-212025-10Syengo, S. M., Mathenge, S. G., Menza, N. C. (2025). Risk Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease among People Living with HIV on HAART at Machakos Level V Hospital, Kenya. J Chem Edu Res Prac, 9(2), 01-11.2578-7365https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32138ArticleThe introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic condition. However, the long-term use of antiretrovirals has been associated with metabolic complications such as dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These emerging comorbidities threaten to offset the gains achieved in HIV management, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease among PLWHIV on HAART at Machakos Level V Hospital, Kenya. A hospital-based cross-sectional study employing systematic sampling was conducted among 406 HIV-positive adults on HAART. Blood samples were collected for lipid profile analysis, and the Framingham Risk Score was used to assess 10-year cardiovascular risk. The Framingham model incorporated seven parameters: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure, age, sex, duration on antiretrovirals, and cigarette smoking. Additional demographic and clinical data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence rates, while bivariable and multivariate analyses identified exposure variables significantly associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05). The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 74.1% (n = 301). Age (p = 0.005), elevated systolic blood pressure (p = 0.049), and hypertension (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia. The total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio was significantly linked to antiretroviral regimen (p < 0.05), with patients using protease inhibitors being four times more likely to have an elevated ratio compared to those on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (OR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.03–17.02). According to the Framingham Risk Score, 71.2% of participants had low CVD risk, 18.5% moderate, 9.8% moderately high, and 0.5% high risk. Age, low HDL-C, smoking, high systolic pressure, gender, and duration on HAART were significantly associated with higher Framingham risk (p ≤ 0.001). These findings demonstrate a high burden of dyslipidemia and considerable cardiovascular risk among individuals on HAART. Integrating lipid monitoring, blood pressure control, and lifestyle interventions into routine HIV care is essential to mitigate long-term metabolic and cardiovascular complications in this population.enArticle