Introduction: Viral load (VL) monitoring is the most effective method for assessing ART efficiency in HIV Positive patients, and VL suppression reflects treatment success. In Cameroon, there are gaps in VL uptake and suppression, with both below the 95% UNAIDS benchmark. This study assessed the viral load uptake and VL suppression, and identified factors associated with both in a cohort of HIV positive clients 1 year on treatment in the West region of Cameroon.
Methods: A retrospective quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on adult clients active on treatment for 12 months in 25 high volume health facilities in the West region of Cameroon. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with uptake of VL testing and VL suppression.
Results: Out of the 1935 client information reviewed, 43.6% had at least one VL result documented (VL uptake) with a corresponding VL suppression rate of 90.5%. Enrolment on a Dolutegravir based regimen (AOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.6-2.6) was associated with a higher chance of VL uptake while facilities with 500-1000 clients on ART (AOR = 0.7; 95%CI: 0.5-0.9), semi-urban location of the facility (AOR = 0.8; 95%CI: 0.6-0.9); an altered general status (AOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.5-0.8) were associated with a decreased probability of VL uptake. Facilities with 1000-2000 clients on ART (AOR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.5-6.8) and the fact that participant were on TLD based regimen (AOR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1-3.5) were associated with higher chances of VL suppression while faith base facilities (AOR = 0.5; 95%CI: 0.3-0.9) and altered general state (AOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.3-0.9) were associated with lower chances of VL suppression.
Conclusions: Close monitoring is key for clients enrolled on ART with an altered general state, on clients enrolled in facilities in semi-urban settings to improve VL uptake and suppression.