Evaluation of HIV viral load suppression through a comprehensive intake assessment at a community based organization

Abstract Despite advancements made in HIV treatment, disparities in viral load (VL) suppression still persist, particularly among people with HIV (PWH) navigating psychological distress, homelessness, and substance use. Community-based organizations (CBOs) are uniquely positioned to support this population since they are often seen as trusted and accessible hubs for comprehensive HIV care. This study conducted a secondary analysis of intake data (January 2020-February 2023) from a New York City CBO that serves PWH with a history of homelessness, psychological distress, and substance use. Using bivariate analysis and Firth’s logistic regression, we calculated the odds of VL suppression by sociodemographic and behavioral variables. Results indicated that being aged 50 or older [aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09–0.79] and current use of illicit substances [aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09–0.73] were significantly associated with lower odds of VL suppression. Conversely, engagement with the CBO for six months or longer was associated with higher odds of suppression [aOR = 4.10, 95% CI = 1.64–10.29]. These findings highlight the importance of community-generated data from CBOs that can meaningfully inform HIV prevention and care. Further research should incorporate data collected by CBOs, as these can offer critical insights into the needs and health outcomes of populations that experience a high burden of disease and are often underrepresented in public health research.