A Dissertation submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of Award of the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of Mzumbe University.
Virologic suppression is the measure of successful ART. This study aimed to analyse information on the factors associated with viral load suppression among adult patients on ART at Kisarawe, Pwani region. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of social-demographic factors on the viral load suppression, to identify patient’s related factors, as well as clinical characteristics associated with viral load suppressions. The researcher conducted a descriptive research study with a sample size of 130 participants, selected randomly from the list of eligible ARV users registered at Kisarawe hospital. The researcher utilized a quantitative method to collect data through administration of a structured questionnaire. A total of 102 questionnaires were completed and included in the data analysis. Ms Excel and Stata (v.15) was used to analyse the data. Descriptive analysis, multivariate logistic regression and ‘a chi-square test’ were used to identify factors associated with viral load level, as well as to assess whether there was a significant association between the independent and dependent variables. The findings showed that participants who used ARV properly (adhered to medication) were four times (odds ratio – OR 4.04; 95% CI: 1.12-14.6; p~0.033) likely to be virally suppressed compared to those who did not. Participants who did not use any substance such as alcohol and cigarette were seven times likely (OR, 7.62 CI: 2.38-24.39; p ~ 0.001) to be virally suppressed than those who used substances. Also, risky sexual behaviour and substance use were found to be statistically associated with viral load level (P~0.000 and P~0.010) respectively. Lastly, the study established that participants who had no other diseases (comorbid condition) were six times more likely to be suppressed (OR 6.09, 95% CI: 1.37-27.05; p ~ 0.017) than those who had other illness conditions. The study findings have added knowledge and understanding on different factors associated with HIV viral suppression among PLHIV, hence concluded that adherence to treatment and reduction of risk behaviour are crucial component of HIV/AIDS management programs. The study recommends a health intervention program that will emphasize more on enhanced adherence to medication, and risk behaviours associated with viral suppression in order to attain optimal viral suppression.