Ayenew Assefa

Ethiopia

Determinants of Virological Suppression among HIV Patients on ART at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ayenew Assefa1, Mulat Erkihun2, Ayenew Berhan3, Andargachew Almaw4, Teklehaimanot Kiros2, Birhanu Getie2, Birhanemaskel Malkamu5, Biruk Legese6, Bekele Sharew2, Taklo simeneh Yazie7, Mitikie Wondmagegn2, Alemie Fentie6, Temesgen Ayalew8, Getu Abeje4
1 Unit of Immunology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
2 Unit of Medical Microbiology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
3 Unit of Parasitology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
4 Unit of hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
5 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
6 Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
7 Department of Pharmacy, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
8 Department of Psychology, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author: Ayenew Assefa, email: ayenassef@gmail.com

Abstract

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has played an important role in the decline of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, the growing challenge of virological non-suppression compromises the effectiveness of current treatment options. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of virological suppression among HIV patients on ART at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024. A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather sociodemographic data, while clinical data were obtained by examining the patients’ medical records. Blood samples were collected to measure viral load (VL). A binary logistic regression model was employed to determine the associated factors, with a P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI deemed statistically significant. Results The study included 258 participants who had ART follow-up for at least six months. The median age of the patients was 40, and the majority (36.8%) were in the 35–44 age range. About 95.7% of the patients achieved virological suppression, whereas 11 participants (4.3%) did not. ART adherence, marital status, and age were significant predictors of virological suppression. Conclusions Virological suppression was demonstrated in the majority (95.7%) of patients receiving ART, which aligns with the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) viral suppression goal on ART program. Managing age-related factors and intensive adherence counseling can maintain and increase virological suppression rates.