Viral Load Suppression and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in a Tertiary Health Institution in Owo, Southwest, Nigeria

Background: Suppression of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) viral load (VL) is essential for preventing disease progression and improved quality of life in persons living with HIV (PLHIV). In 2023, Nigeria had an HIV prevalence rate of 2.1% while Ondo state was 1.1%. No prior characterization of the status of viral load suppression of PLHIV in the Owo, Ondo state has been undertaken. This study aimed to determine the predictors of viral load suppression among PLHIV in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study where the record of PLHIV on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least six months was reviewed. The data source was the database of the HIV clinic of PLHIV enrolled in ART care from 1st September 2009 to 31st August 2024. Plasma viral load was determined using a polymerase chain reaction. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Two thousand and fifty subjects were recruited of which 67.8% were females while 50.8% belonged to the middle-age. The overall prevalence of viral load suppression was 91.5%; the prevalence among paediatrics was 87.1% while among adults was 91.8%. The majority (96.3%) had good ART adherence. Age (p=0.011), sex (p=0.011), current ART status (p=0.000), ART adherence (p=0.032), and baseline CD4 count (p=0.008) were associated with viral load suppression. The predictors of viral load suppression were sex (OR=1.7; p=0.006; 95%CI=1.157–2.360), current ART status (OR=7.8; p=0.000; 95%CI=5.326–11.441), ART adherence (OR=3.1; p=0.041; 95%CI=1.046–9.056), and baseline CD4 count (OR=2.6; p=0.012; 95%CI=1.248–5.022). Conclusions: The prevalence of viral load suppression was less than the UNAID target of 95% hence, a concerted effort is required in combating the disease.