Abstract
Introduction
Detectable plasma HIV viral loads remain a major public health concern due to its association with increased HIV transmission and disease progression. The aim of this study is to assess the factors associated with a detectable HIV viral load in People Living with HIV (PLHIV) aged between 15 and 60 at the Cité des Palmiers District Hospital in Cameroon.
Methodology
This is a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2023 and January 2024 using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to PLHIV aged between 15 and 65 years (n = 309). Analyses were performed using logistic regression, with a p-value <0.05.
Results
Out of 511 patients recruited, 309 consented to participate, representing a participation rate of 60%. Among the participants, 17% had a detectable viral load. Analyses revealed that living in a rural area [aOR = 4.40, p-value = 0.040], having a primary education as the highest level attained [aOR = 4.82, p-value = 0.025], frequently forgetting to take medication [aOR = 5.67, p-value = 0.002], eating only one meal a day [aOR = 13.02, p-value = 0.007], and fearing that therapy would no longer be effective in the future [aOR = 4.45, p-value = 0.009] significantly increased the probability of having a detectable HIV viral load.
Conclusion
These result provide insight into targeting adherence support for PLWH in Cameroon to reduce the community HIV viral load. By improving access to care and providing psychosocial support, it may be possible to reduce community viral load, and reducing HIV transmission.
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