Factors Associated with Time to Viral Load Suppression Among People Living with HIV in Chingola District: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Improving health outcomes and lowering human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) requires achieving viral load suppression. In this study, people living with HIV in Zambia's Chingola District had their survival rates and factors related to viral suppression assessed. The research aimed at analysing factors associated with time to viral suppression among PLHIV in Chingola District using survival analysis. A retrospective cohort study design was used, utilising 385 clinical records of PLHIV in Chingola district, with the focus on 15 months period (January 2022 to April 2023). Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used as statistical techniques. The age group 50+ years accounted the highest proportion (45.5%), while 40–49 age group accounted for the least proportion (15.3%). Males dominated (56.6%) whereas 43.4% were females. The median time to attain viral suppression was 12 months. Consequently, frequent clinic visits significantly decreased suppression time (aHR = 2.026, <i>p</i> = 0.001), and PLHIV with comorbidity experienced faster viral suppression (aHR = 1.438, <i>p</i> = 0.017). None substance users had 1.392 times increased chances of achieving Viral load suppression higher than substance users (aHR = 1.392, <i>p</i> = 0.036). The intervention that increased the chance of suppression was case conferencing (aHR = 7.309, <i>p</i> = 0.001). The results highlighted how crucial it is to design interventions specifically for high-risk groups to enhance viral load results. Suggestions include implementing focused interventions for PLHIV with comorbidities and substance abusers, expanding case conferences, and fortifying adherence support networks.