Viral Suppression in Adolescents Living with HIV in Rural Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Luoga Ezekiel, Okuma James, Moshi Lilian, Sigalla George, Mnzava Dorcas, Paris Daniel H., Glass Tracy R., Vanobberghen Fiona, Weisser Maja, Mollel Getrud Joseph
Primary Institution: Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with achieving viral suppression and maintaining treatment adherence among adolescents living with HIV in rural Tanzania?
Conclusion
Only 78% of adolescents in this rural cohort achieved viral suppression, indicating a need for improved HIV care models.
Supporting Evidence
- 78% of adolescents were virally suppressed.
- Factors associated with viral suppression included having a CD4 count ≥500 cells/mm3 and being on a dolutegravir-based regimen.
- Self-reported adherence was linked to better viral suppression outcomes.
- Female gender was associated with lower odds of viral suppression.
Takeaway
Most teenagers with HIV in this study were able to keep the virus under control, but many still need better support to stay healthy.
Methodology
Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort, including adolescents aged 10–19 years on antiretroviral treatment for at least 6 months.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias and response bias in self-reported adherence measures.
Limitations
Data on adherence was only available for a subset of participants, and results may be affected by recall bias and missing data.
Participant Demographics
Adolescents aged 10-19 years, 50% male, 74% disclosed their HIV status, 23% lived ≥50 kilometers from the clinic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.49–8.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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