Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Jun 2022)

Adherence, Effectiveness and Safety of Dolutegravir Based Antiretroviral Regimens among HIV Infected Children and Adolescents in Tanzania

  • Ritah F. Mutagonda PhD,
  • Hamu J. Mlyuka MPharm,
  • Betty A. Maganda PhD,
  • Appolinary A. R. Kamuhabwa PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582221109613
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21

Abstract

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Objectives: This study aimed at assessing adherence, effectiveness, and safety of DTG-based HAART regimens among HIV-infected children and adolescents in Tanzania. Methods: This was a single-center prospective cohort study, conducted at the pediatric HIV Clinic in Mbeya, Tanzania. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of undetectable viral load at week 24. The results were significant when P-value was <0.05. Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled with the majority (85.5%) being treatment experienced. High adherence levels (71%) were observed using the pharmacy refill method. At week 24, the overall proportion of patients with undetectable viral load was 70.2%. The predictors of undetectable viral load were age, World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage, baseline VL and adherence to pharmacy refill. Conclusion: The majority of patients attained undetectable viral load 6 months after using DTG based regimen. DTG-based regimens were generally safe with few ADEs reported.