Abstract:
Viral load suppression among children living with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is critical to
sustaining quality of life, preventing treatment failure,
achieving optimal ART outcomes, and preventing the
transmission of multi-drug-resistant virus later in life.
Children aged 0 - 14 years are disproportionately more
affected by poor viral load suppression than adolescents,
suggesting that this age group requires specific attention.
This study sought to determine the clinical factors
affecting viral load suppression in pediatric HIV and
AIDS care in Meru County Referral Hospital. A
descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among
caregivers of children living with HIV and AIDS
attending Meru Referral Hospital, supplemented by the
interview of 10 key informants (healthcare workers).
Structured pretested questionnaires and interview guides
were used for collecting both quantitative and qualitative
data. The quantitative data collected was analyzed and
interpreted using statistical methods and approaches using
the SPSS version 30.0.0 statistical software. The median
age of caregivers was 34 years (IQR = 28). The study
findings indicated a significant proportion of children
initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) early in life.
Specifically, 102 (86.4%) of the children commenced ART treatment
between the ages of 0–4 years. A smaller proportion,
8 (6.8%), began ART between the ages of 5–9 years,
and another 8 (6.8%) initiated treatment between 10–
14 years. The significant clinical predictors of viral
load suppression were disclosure status, age at
disclosure, and number of hospitalizations. To
address these factors affecting viral load suppression,
the study recommends strengthening age-appropriate
HIV disclosure interventions, enhancing ART
adherence monitoring and caregiver counseling, and
ensuring continuity of ART and supply chain
management.
