Level of viral load suppression in Rwinkwavu District Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The Rwinkwavu district hospital faces challenges in understanding and improving the human immunodeficiency virus viral load suppression rates among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. We evaluated the human immunodeficiencyvirus viral load suppression rates and associated variables in the Rwinkwavu district hospital catchment area to inform patients’ monitoring. Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed data captured in an electronic medical record system from 2005-2018, involving 314 human immunodeficiency virus patients. Viral load suppression wasdefined as <1000 copies/mL, and undetectable as <20 copies/ml. By using Stata 15, bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed at 95% confidence intervals to assess the level of viral load suppression and factors associated with unsuppressed human immunodeficiency virus viral load. Results: Of 314 patients, 203 (65%) were females, and the median age was 44.8 years (IQR 10.8-75.6). Results showed that 66.2% achieved undetectable viral load, with a viral load suppression rate of 93.9%.bFactors such as being aged between 13-19 years and having a baseline viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml were associated with no viral load suppression. Conclusion: The Rwinkwavu District Hospital has also made tremendous progress in achieving human immunodeficiency virus viral load suppression targets. Challenges remain for adolescents aged 13-19 and those with baseline viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml. Therefore, tailored care for adolescents, and improved counselling during patient monitoring for individuals with unsuppressed viral load are crucial.

Keywords

• hiv
• rwinkwavu district hospital
• viral load suppression