Determinants of unplanned antiretroviral treatment interruptions among people living with HIV in Yaoundé, Cameroon (EVAL survey, ANRS 12-116)

Abstract

Objective: To identify correlates of self-reported antiretroviral therapies (ART) interruptions among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Cameroon.

Methods: Analyses were based on data collected in the national survey EVAL (ANRS 12-116) among 533 ART-treated PLWHA in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, and its neighbourhood. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with self-reported ART interruptions longer than two consecutive days during the previous 4 weeks.

Results: ART interruptions were reported by 68 patients (12.8%). After adjustment for gender, education and household income, characteristics independently associated with interruptions were pharmacy stock shortages [OR (95%CI):3.25 (1.78-5.90)], binge drinking [2.87 (1.39-5.91)] and the number of self-reported slimming symptoms [1.23 (1.02-1.48)].

Conclusion: In poor-resource settings where access to second and third-line regimens is still limited, food supply programs and interventions to minimise ART shortage may reduce the risk of ART interruptions.