In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), people living with HIV (PLWH) experience increased longevity but also face a rising burden of HIV-related comorbidities and disabilities, impacting their quality of life. The WHO 2020 Guidelines have recommended lifestyle adjustments, such as physical activity, as a strategy to minimize the risk of HIV-related disabilities. However, there is insufficient data on the physical activity levels of PLWH in Nigeria, which are crucial for monitoring preventive efforts. To assess the physical activity level of PLWH in Nigeria according to the WHO physical activity recommendations, a cross-sectional survey involving 385 PLWH in Lagos was conducted. Demographic and physical activity data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and analyzed according to the research hypotheses and related statistical methods. Results revealed that 45.5% of participants did not meet the WHO-recommended physical activity levels. Notably, individuals with higher educational levels were more likely to be physically active. The findings emphasize a concerning trend where a significant proportion of PLWH fall short of recommended physical activity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Implementing strategies to promote physical activity in this population becomes crucial for enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of HIV-related comorbidities.

 

Key words: HIV, physical activity, health, HAART, comorbidities, disabilities, quality of life.