Factors limiting the achievement of viral load among PLWHA followed in the active file of the University Hospital of Bogodogo

Abstract

Introduction: In Burkina Faso in 2019, less than 25% of people living with HIV undergoing treatment have their viral load measured periodically. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors limiting viral load testing among people living with HIV in the active file of the Bogodogo University Hospital.
Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from 1 January to 30 June 2020. Patients infected with HIV-1 or HIV1+2, under antiretroviral treatment for at least 6 months at the Bogodogo University Hospital were included. Data were analyzed using Stata software. The significance threshold was 5%. Results: In 2019, the viral load failure rate was 88.87% (1965/2211). A total of 337 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 40.87 ± 9.8 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.27. The rate of medical prescription of VL was 43.92%. Factors associated with viral load testing were: residence in Ouagadougou (p=0.034; OR=0.32 [0.11 - 0.92]), school attendance (p=0.000; OR=2.24 [1.44 - 3.47]) and knowledge of viral load as an essential follow-up test (p=0.000; OR=5.01 [2.24 - 11.17]). Conclusions: Despite the fact that viral load tests are free, the rate at which they are performed remains low. Increasing awareness would improve the uptake rate. Studies including practitioners and community organizations could help to identify other factors.