Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-aged Women withand without HIV

Metabolic Syndrome is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increases after menopause and it is probably more frequent in HIV women. Objective: To assess MetS and associated factors in HIV seropositive and seronegative middle-aged women. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 537 women (273 HIV seropositive and 264 HIV seronegative), between 40 and 60 years’ old receiving follow-up care in two medical centers in Brazil. MetS was diagnosed based on IDF criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of MetS in the HIV group was 46.9% and 42.2% in the seronegative group (P=0.340). Multiple regression analysis showed MetS association with body mass index (BMI)>25 kg/m² (PR=2.34; 95% CI: 1.70- 3.21; P<0.001), aging (PR: 0.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07; P<0.001), and the use of highly active retroviral therapy (HAART) (PR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.13-1.94; P=0.005). Conclusions: There was no association between MetS and HIV status overall. Although HAART was associated with MetS, it seems that HIV-positive women in good immunological status, after early institution of HAART and its effective use, have traditional factors associated with MetS like being overweight and having older age.