Antiretroviral treatment failure and associated factors among people living with HIV at Logbaba district hospital, Cameroon

HIV/AIDS infection continues to wreak havoc despite the many response strategies that have been put in place. Although more and more patients are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), challenges remain, including treatment efficacy and the risk of failure. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with ART failure among people living with HIV (PLHIV) at Logbaba District Hospital. This quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on PLHIV followed up at Logbaba between January 2021 and January 2022. Data were collected from medical records (n = 320) via a retrospective survey. Relative and absolute frequencies were calculated. Factors associated with treatment failure were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, with odds ratios, confidence intervals, and p-values. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 320 patient medical records were reviewed. Patients ranged in age from 36 to 50 years (45%). 18.1% of participants had treatment failure and 81.9% did not. Independent predictors of treatment failure were mainly in the 36–50 age group [ORa = 3.33 (95% CI 1.15–14); p = 0.030], having used modern medicine as a previous treatment [ORa = 3.35 (95% CI 1.24–12.02); p = 0.034], being on a second-line regimen (Efavirenz + Zidovudine + Lamivudine) [ORa = 4.2 (95% CI 1.40–40); p = 0.0006], having changed treatment regimen [ORa = 3.72 (95% CI 1.23–11.4); p = 0.019], as well as failure to adhere to treatment schedules [ORa = 7.48 (95% CI 2.32–74.93); p = 0.0008]. This study highlights the critical factors associated with antiretroviral treatment failure in people living with HIV. The results underline the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment outcomes. By reinforcing patient education on the importance of adherence and personalized treatment strategies for high-risk groups, we can potentially increase the effectiveness of care. These measures are essential to strengthen the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and improve the quality of life of those affected.