Factors Associated with HIV Viral Load suppression AmongAdults at HIV Care and Treatment Centers in Dodoma, Mtwaraand Lindi Region, July 2018-June 2019

Abstract

Despite the increase number of people living with HIV still there are limited information about the factors associated with viral load suppression among HIV+ individual enrolled into HIV care and treatment centers in Tanzania. Data reports that 87% of those who are living with HIV have attained viral suppression. However this is still low compare to the UNAIDS global targets that by 2020 of 90% on treatment must achieve viral suppression. Viral load remains a gold standard for assessing treatment outcome for those who are on treatment. In 2014 UNAIDS introduced 90- 90-90 goal so as to combat HIV epidemic by 2020. First 90% know there status, second 90 accessing treatment and Third 90% viral suppression. The aim of this study was therefore to identify factors affecting viral load suppression among HIV+ adults attending care and treatment services in the regions. Crossectional analytical study conducted at Dodoma, Mtwara and Lindi regions in randomly selected health facilities. 459 participants who are on ART for atleast 12 months and 18+ years were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaire was used. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using EPI info 7.2.2.16. Odds ratio was used to establish association, 95% CI, and P value of 0.05 were used for statistically significance. A total of 459 study participants were enrolled. The prevalence of viral load suppression was 79%. Viral load suppression was found to be association with Satisfaction to care OR, 11.6 (95% CI: 1.2, 113.6) and Stigma level OR, 2.5 (95% CI: 1.03, 6.1) and found to be statistically significant. Majority of participants were female 165 (68.6%), married 185 (40.3%), with primary education 309 (67.3%) and 280 (61%) had small business or self-employed. Those younger than 35 years had a 70% reduced chance of having viral load suppression OR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.41 OR 1.18), gender OR 0.85 (95% CI: 0.5,1.35), marital status OR, 0.93 ( 95% CI: 0.59, 1.47), those with primary education level OR, 0.47, (95% CI: 0.22 OR 0.99), duration on ART OR, 0.46 (95%:0.15,1.42) disclosure status OR, 0.39 (95% CI: 0.15, 1.01)there were found to be associated with viral suppression but not statistically significant. Satisfaction with care and low level of stigma were associated with viral load suppression.