Health services intervention integrating HTN and HIV care improves long-term blood pressure control among people living with HIV in Uganda

Background Globally, the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) among people with HIV (PWH) has increased dramatically over the last decade. In a cluster randomized trial, we evaluated the effect of a multicomponent intervention model on blood pressure (BP) control among PWH in rural Uganda. Methods The integrated HIV/HTN trial enrolled adults (≥18-years) with HIV from 52 health centres in 26 districts of Southwestern Uganda. The intervention included: 1) health-worker training on integrating HTN care into HIV services, 2) promoting HTN screening and treatment among providers; 3) availing essential equipment and consumables; and 4) WhatsApp messaging for coordination. Among intervention participants with previously diagnosed HTN (defined as BP measurement >140/90 mmHg)), we evaluated longitudinal changes in the proportion with World Health Organization (WHO) defined control (10 mmHg reduction in their BP over the 12-month follow-up.