I. Introduction Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a combination of interrelated risk factors of metabolic origin; the components include increased insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. WHO defines HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) as a form of antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of persons infected with HIV. The use of HAART has decreased morbidity and mortality. The use of protease inhibitors (PIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NTRIs) have been associated to development of lipodystrophy and metabolic abnormalities. In spite of the success of HAART, the prevalence of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and fat redistribution have increased after its global step up. The prevalence of MS among HIV –infected patients globally ranges from 17.0% to 45.4%, with most reports produced in developed nations. The diagnosis of MS using the International Diabetes Federation is a rise in triglycerides greater than 1.7mMol/l, elevated fasting blood sugar greater than 5.6mMol/l and reduced HDL cholesterol less than 1.03mMol/l. There exists no data on the prevalence of MS among the prison population in Kenya. II. Study objectives The broad objective is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in inmates on HAART at Embu GK prison dispensary, comprehensive care clinic (CCC). The specific objectives were: i. To determine the serum concentration of fasting blood sugar, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride, ii. To determine the BMI and blood pressure among patients on HAART iii. To compare the different types of regimens to metabolic syndrome iv. To determine the prevalence of MS in prisoners on HAART

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