Time to Viral Suppression and Its Associated Factors Among Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages and ethnicity. Part of the United Nations SDGs includes bringing to an end the burden of HIV epidemic by 2030. To ensure this is achieved, world health organization has sought to ensure that everyone knows his status and those with the virus are on antiretroviral therapy to realize viral suppression. Effectiveness of an antiretroviral therapy is often measured by its ability to ensure viral suppression is achieved. In Kenya, Kisumu County is an epicenter for HIV being among the counties highly affected. The main objective of the study was to assess the time to viral suppression among patients on antiretroviral therapy at Kisumu County, Kisumu. 440 patients with complete medical records who had not yet achieved viral suppression at the time the trial started were included. Out of 440 patients, 358(81.35 percent) achieved viral suppression. The average time to viral suppression for the patients who were followed up for a period of 7 years was 2 years. Kaplan-Meier curves, Log rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression all indicated that residence and vaccination status were linked to time to viral suppression. Urban areas have better access to health care and HIV management and this was evident by patients in urban areas having a higher likelihood of achieving viral suppression compared to those in the rural areas. Full vaccination also played an important part in viral suppression.