Distinct gender differences in anthropometric profiles of a peri-urban South African HIV population: a cross sectional study.

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has extended life expectancy and enhanced the well-being of HIV-positive individuals. Since there are concerns regarding HAART-mediated onset of cardio-metabolic diseases in the long-term, we evaluated the anthropometric profile of black HIV-infected individuals in a peri-urban setting (Western Cape, South Africa).

Methods: A cross sectional study design was followed to describe the gender differences in different HAART treatment groups.