Abstract
QTc interval prolongation, which is linked to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, is common in HIV-infected patients. This prolongation can be attributed to the side effects of antiretroviral medications, the direct impact of HIV on the heart, and chronic inflammatory responses that disrupt cardiac electrical activity. This study aimed at assessing QTc interval prolongation and associated factors among HIV-infected adults on ART. A cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutively selected 298 HIV-infected patients at Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital, southwest Ethiopia. A face-to-face interview with a structured and pretested questionnaire was employed to collect socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics data. Electrocardiography was done using a 12-lead electrocardiograph, and interpreted by a cardiologist. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done at a significance level of P < 0.05. QTc prolongation was prevalent in 12.4% of participants. Being on PIs containing HAART regimen (AOR = 5.7, 95%CI 2.54-12.8), having recent CD4 count of < 350 cells/mm(3) (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI 2.19-10.5), and recent viral load of ≥ 1000coppies/ml (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI 1.24-6.42) were significantly associated with QTc prolongation. According to this study, one of the ten HIV-infected patients on ART had QTc prolongation. Therefore, we suggest that HIV-positive patients receiving treatment should undergo screening for QTc interval prolongation.