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. 2024 Sep 25;39(1):629.
doi: 10.4102/sajid.v39i1.629. eCollection 2024.

Viral load non-suppression among adolescents and youth living with HIV in South Africa

Lesiba O Molopa  1 , Thembelihle P Ginyana  1 , Noloyiso Vondo  1 , Rindidzani Magobo  2 , Goitseone Maseko  2 , Nompumelelo Zungu  2   3 , Khangelani Zuma  2   4 , Leickness Simbayi  1   5 , Musawenkosi Mabaso  6 , Sizulu Moyo  1   7
Affiliations

Viral load non-suppression among adolescents and youth living with HIV in South Africa

Lesiba O Molopa et al. S Afr J Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Despite the increased initiation and uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, some people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on ART still have non-suppressed viral load (VL).

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VL non-suppression among adolescents and youth (aged 12 years - 24 years) living with HIV and on ART in South Africa, as well as the factors associated with it.

Method: Data from the 2017 South African national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour, and communication survey were analysed. The survey used a multistage-stratified cluster sampling design. A backward stepwise multivariable generalised linear model was used to identify factors associated with VL non-suppression.

Results: The study included 340 participants aged 12 years - 24 years, with a median age of 21 (interquartile range [IQR]: 18-23). The proportion of adolescents and youth living with HIV and on ART with non-suppressed VL was 19.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4-25.3). Approximately 60% of the participants were not on ART. The odds of VL non-suppression were significantly higher among youth aged 15 years - 19 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.24-2.13], p = 0.001) and aged 20 years - 24 years (AOR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.06-1.41], p = 0.005) compared to adolescents aged 12 years - 14 years. The odds were significantly lower among individuals of other races (AOR = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.69-0.92], p = 0.003) compared to black African people.

Conclusion: Findings suggest a need for ART education and counselling as part of treatment support. In addition, the promotion of HIV awareness as part of strengthening the HIV treatment and prevention cascade.

Contribution: The article showed the prevalence of VL non-suppression and associated factors among adolescents and youth.

Keywords: HIV; South Africa; adolescent; antiretroviral treatment; non-suppression; viral load; youth.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Selection of children and youth included in the study.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Coefficient plot of the final model for factors associated with viral load non-suppression among adolescents and youth aged 12 years – 24 years who tested positive for HIV and on antiretroviral therapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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