Effect of anthropometric and sociodemographic variables on physical activity levels of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Abstract

Objectives: Physical inactivity plays a major role in promoting disease outcome, but physical activity enhances effective prevention and treatment of chronic diseases; hence, this study was to determine the effect of anthropometric and demographic factors on the physical activity level of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on antiretroviral therapy.

Materials and methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional method of descriptive research design. A sample size of 170 participants was recruited for this research comprising 113 females and 57 males, who after obtaining their informed consent were issued questionnaires which they meticulously filled under a proper guidance. The participants were almost proportionally distributed across the three levels of physical activity, though about half of them had a normal weight of body mass index (BMI) based on the information obtained.

Results: The study showed that physical activity according to age significantly affected the BMI (P < 0.05). Physical activity level according to gender had no statistically significant effect on BMI of people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral drugs (P > 0.05). However, it was observed that gender had a significant determining effect on BMI, though not related to PAL.

Conclusions: The findings possibly imply that the psychological effect and the stigma may be the determining factors for the unwillingness to engage in physical activities. This calls for a renewed sensitization and orientation in this aspect.