Drivers of HIV Viral Non-suppression Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0–19 Years in Masaka District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Up to 60% of pediatric patients initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are unable to attain virologic suppression. Several findings showed insufficient levels of viral suppression among diverse populations in resource-limited areas, including Uganda. This study aimed to investigate the drivers of viral non-suppression among children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years in Masaka district, Uganda. An analytical cross-sectional design that was used based on health facility setting and 244 participants were interviewed. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and the results presented in tables and figures. It was found that the level of viral non-suppression was 43.0% at baseline, defined as having a viral load of ≥ 1000 copies/mL. Six months after initiation of ART, the level of viral non-suppression rose to 50%. Individuals whose viral load was equal to or greater than 1000 copies/mL exhibited a 3.8-fold higher probability of having an unsuppressed viral load and individuals with WHO clinical stage I were found to have a 1.4 times higher likelihood of HIV viral non-suppression. Conclusively, the findings indicate that the baseline viral load and duration on ART are the main factors that predict viral load suppression in children and adolescents.