| dc.description.abstract | Despite the significant advancements in HIV treatment, achieving and maintaining viral
suppression remains a critical challenge, necessitating a comprehensive understanding
of the factors contributing to treatment outcomes. This study sought to investigate the
determinants influencing viral suppression among patients receiving antiretroviral
therapy (ART) at Bar Agulu Dispensary, with the overarching goal of optimizing
HIV/AIDS care in the community. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and medical record reviews to
comprehensively examine the determinants of viral suppression. The study's
methodology encompassed three specific objectives: assessing medication adherence
levels, examining socio-economic factors, and identifying healthcare access barriers. For the assessment of medication adherence, a cross-sectional study design was
employed, involving the collection of self-reported adherence data, pill counts, and
pharmacy refill records. Socio-economic factors were explored by combining
quantitative surveys capturing demographic and socio-economic data with qualitative
interviews to elucidate patients' experiences and perceptions. Healthcare access
barriers were addressed through the administration of a questionnaire designed to
assess geographic accessibility, availability of services, affordability, and quality of care. Ethical considerations were paramount throughout the study, with informed consent
obtained from all participants, and measures taken to ensure confidentiality and
anonymity of participant data. Institutional ethical approval was sought prior to data
collection. The expected outputs of this study included the identification of key
determinants influencing viral suppression among ART patients at Bar Agulu Dispensary
and the provision of recommendations for targeted interventions to address identified
barriers. The study revealed that medication adherence was a key determinant of viral
suppression. Patients who reported high levels of adherence, based on self-reported
adherence data, pill counts, and pharmacy refill records, showed significantly better viral
suppression rates compared to those with low or inconsistent adherence. The primary
reasons for non-adherence included forgetfulness, medication side effects, and stigma
related to HIV. Socio-economic factors, including income levels, education, and
employment status, were found to significantly influence patients’ ability to achieve viral
suppression. Patients from lower-income households and those with lower educational
levels faced greater challenges in maintaining adherence to ART regimens. Qualitative
interviews revealed that financial constraints often led to patients prioritizing other
basic needs over medication, which compromised treatment adherence. Additionally, stigma and lack of social support were identified as major barriers that negatively
impacted both adherence and access to healthcare services. Affordability was still a
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concern for some patients who struggled with the indirect costs of care, such as
transportation. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing not only clinical
factors such as medication adherence but also socio-economic conditions and
healthcare access barriers that influence patient outcomes. These results can inform
the development of more targeted interventions to enhance adherence and optimize
HIV care, particularly in resource-limited settings. The study offers actionable
recommendations to policymakers and healthcare providers aiming to improve viral
suppression rates and, ultimately, the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS in
the community. | en_US |
