Description:
Background. Human immunodeficiency Virus is still a public threat and among the number one
killer diseases across the world. The world made an effort to end these all burden through fast track by 2030 which are the three 90’s. Maximizing viral load suppression (VLS) is among the
three 90’s. Viral suppression could be lower the risk of transmission of the virus to others and
protect the health of infected individuals.
Objectives. To assess viral load suppression and associated factors among HIV positive adults
attending Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, in Southern Ethiopia in
2019.
Method and materials. Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 367
HIV positive adult on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 2 months in Hawassa University
Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa. Data collection included a structured questioner
and reviewing recorded data of viral load suppression (VLS). Binary and multivariable analysis
used to assess magnitude of viral load suppression and associated factors of viral suppression.
Result. Nighty eight percent response rate with a mean age of 34.6 and 63% female were
participated in the study. The magnitude of viral suppression below 1000copies/ml was 78.5%.
Multivariable analysis revealed that poor adherence [AOR=8.24 (95% CI=4.077-16.65)], BMI less
than 17.5[AOR=4.366 (95% CI=2.307-8.25)], OIs [AOR=2.83 (95% CI=1.141-4.567)] and spent
less time on HAART [AOR=2.097 (95% CI=1.064-4.137)] were associated to viral non suppression.
Conclusion. Viral suppression of the Hospital was low as a goal of federal ministry of health and
UNAIDs which is 90% of viral suppression. The Hospital should work on ART adherence,
preventing OIs, supporting poor patients working with different stakeholders.