Aniekan Edet
University of Venda,South Africa.
Title: Virologic and immunologic responses in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Vhembe district, South Africa
Biography
Biography: Aniekan Edet
Abstract
Problem statement: South Africa presently has the highest HIV burden globally. The UNAIDS developed the “90-90-90 targets” to curb the global HIV burden. This target, which the South African government has adopted, aims at sustained viral suppression in 90% of all people on antiretroviral therapy. This is supported by several studies. Studies to observe if patients are achieving and sustaining viral suppression in Limpopo, South Africa are few. This study aims to investigate the viral and immunologic responses of patients in Vhembe District to highly active antiretroviral therapy from the time therapy is initiated to their latest laboratory results.
Methodology: This will be a retrospective medical record review. The study will be conducted in one health facility in Vhembe District in rural Limpopo. It will include about 1600 patient records. Data will be retrieved from electronic and paper-based medical records include viral load, CD4 count, age, gender, year of initiation, previous ART exposure, baseline haemoglobin, creatinine and BMI. Analysis of the data will be done using SPSS 24.0 programme to determine the proportion of patients that have adequate CD4 count increase, viral suppression and the prevalence of immuno-virologic discordance. Continuous data and proportions will be compared using student’s t-test and chi-square test respectively. Multivariate logistic regression will be used to determine the factors associated with viral suppression and adequate immunologic response. Estimates used will be odds ratios at 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05.
Findings of this study include the viral and immunologic outcome of patients on HAART in Vhembe District. Data for this study has been collected and is being analysed.