ISSN: 2578-5001
Authors: Aghedo OG*, Akwolu CC, Oluka PO, Nwankwo AU and Achime NE
Background: Nigeria is still endemic for Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), and currently among the top five countries with the highest burdens of HIV infection. For a successful HIV program, there should be good access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and record of viral load suppression (VLS). This study aimed at investigating the relationship between medication adherence behavior (MAB) and sustained VLS among people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving ART in Akwa Ibom State. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of the medical records of 1,763 PLHIV receiving ART services from January 2018 to December 2022, in selected ten health facilities in Akwa Ibom State. Relevant demographic, clinical, immunological, viral load (VL) information were obtained from the patients’ medical records and databases. The proportion of VLS and associated variables were then analyzed. Results: Out of the 2,550 PLHIV whose medical records were accessed, data for 1,763 PLHIV was accepted for analysis. A total of 795 (45.1%) male and 968 (54.9%) female participated in the study, with a mean age of 38.4 ± 5 years. While 23.8% (n = 420) have unsuppressed VL of >1,000 copies/mL; 76.2% (n = 1,343) of participants achieved VLS of <1,000 copies/mL. 90.4% (n = 1,213) of the virally suppressed participants recorded moderate to high medication adherence levels (X2 = 94.977, df = 2, p-value = 2.2 x 10-16). CD4 counts and HAART regimen have significant impact on VLS (p < 0.05), while pregnancy status, TB Infection, duration on HAART, and WHO disease stage do not have significant effects on VLS (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was a strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis, which states that there is no positive association between MAB and sustained VLS among PLHIV on ART (p < 0.05). The VLS rate in this study indicates a good HIV epidemic control. Good medication adherence level, high baseline CD4 count, and being on first line HAART regimen were strongly associated with VLS.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; ART Adherence; Viral Load Suppression; Antiretroviral Drugs
