Virological outcomes of antiretroviral therapy and its determinants among HIV patients in Ethiopia: Implications for achieving the 95–95–95 target
2025

Virological Outcomes of Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV Patients in Ethiopia

Sample size: 410 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kitaw Tegene Atamenta, Haile Ribka Nigatu

Primary Institution: Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia

Hypothesis

What are the virological outcomes of antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients in Ethiopia and what factors influence these outcomes?

Conclusion

Viral suppression among HIV patients is 88.78%, which falls short of the WHO’s 90% target for 2020, indicating the need for improved support and management of co-infections.

Supporting Evidence

  • 364 out of 410 participants achieved viral suppression, indicating an 88.78% success rate.
  • Household wealth level significantly affects virological outcomes, with richer individuals more likely to achieve suppression.
  • Active TB and hepatitis B virus presence significantly reduce the likelihood of achieving viral suppression.
  • Participation in HIV support groups is associated with a higher likelihood of achieving viral suppression.

Takeaway

Most people with HIV in Ethiopia are not getting better, and we need to help those who are struggling more, especially with other illnesses.

Methodology

The study used a two-stage, stratified sampling design to analyze data from 410 HIV-positive individuals on ART, assessing virological suppression and its determinants.

Potential Biases

The reliance on secondary data may introduce biases related to the original data collection process.

Limitations

The study only included urban populations, limiting the generalizability of the findings to rural settings.

Participant Demographics

The median age of participants was 37 years, with 76.83% female, and 19.76% had no formal education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.15–6.22

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0313481

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