Viral suppression among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in northwestern Nigeria: an eleven-year review of tertiary care centre records, January 2009–December 2019

BACKGROUND: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world’s significant public health challenges. Viral suppression is the key indicator for treatment success in People living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined the level of viral suppression, and its associated factors among PLHIV attending Federal Medical Centre Katsina (FMC Katsina), Nigeria. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 913 HIV positive adults enrolled in care between January 2009 and December 2019. Information on socio-demographics, clinical, immunological, Viral load (VL), and other relevant parameters were extracted from the patients’ care records. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients that achieved viral suppression. We also analyzed variables that were associated with VL suppression. RESULTS: Of 913, records of 831 (91.0%) registered patients were analyzed. During the period, 751 (90.4%) achieved viral suppression, 427 (51.4%) had CD4 counts ≥ 500 and 477 (57.4%) were on HAART for ≥ 5 years. Majority, 793 (95.4%) were on first-line HAART regimen (Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir or Abacavir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir), and 809 (97.4%) in the non-advanced stage (WHO stages 1 and 2). The median (interquartile range) of viral load was 20 (20–40) vs 19,989 (3311–110,340) cp/ml in virally suppressed, and unsuppressed respectively. Factors associated with viral suppression included being unemployed (Adjusted OR [AOR] 4.9, 95% CI 2.771, 8.539), educated (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.098, 16.223), having a baseline CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/µl (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.588, 4.625), and being on first line HAART regimen [AOR 7.0, 95% CI 3.220, 15.648]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a good viral suppression among PLHIV on HAART. Variables associated with viral suppression included unemployment, formal education, high baseline CD4 count, and first line HAART regimen.