Factors associated to the control of viral load in HIV positive patients

Factors associated to the control of viral load in HIV positive patients. Factores asociados con el control de la carga viral en pacientes con VIH

IObjective: to evaluate factors associated with inadequate control of viral load in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the The Center for Assistance to Sexually Transmitted Infections/SIDA/Viral Hepatitis (CAP) of Itajubá, MG, Brazil. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome remains a health challenge in Brazil. Therapeutic failures, characterized by detectable viral load, must have their causes evaluated. Among the most relevant reasons is the lack of adherence to treatment. Materials and methods: this is an observational, cross-sectional and documentary study of 261 medical records. The variables analyzed were socio-epidemiological characteristics and laboratory tests for viral load and CD4+ T lymphocytes, poor adherence in history or currently, duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, depression and/or anxiety, use of illicit drugs, follow-up time at the CAP. Results: among the patients, 90.42% had an undetectable viral load and 64.37% had a CD4+ T count ≥500 in the last available test. Some characteristics were related to detectable viral load in the last exam: history of poor adherence during treatment (p<0,0001), inconsistent use of ART (p<0,0001) and use of illicit drugs (p=0,0155). Anxiety and/or depression were not statistically significant (p=0,3321). Conclusion: history of poor adherence, inconsistent use of ART and use of illicit drugs were associated with an increased risk of virologic failure. Early identification of groups at risk of poor adherence to treatment can support the development of intervention strategies in an transdisciplinary way to improve adherence and generate better results in the control of HIV infection.