Factors Influencing Viral Suppression among Adolescents Living With HIV in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Approach.

This evaluation study identifies the factors that influence viral suppression among Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), in a PEPFAR supported care and treatment program, in Nigeria. We collected, from November 2019 to October 2021, ALHIV client demographics, clincal and behaviorial data using interviewer administered survey questionnaires, abstraction from electronic heath records, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). A few data elements collected inlcuded: age, gender, education, religion, CD4 count, HIV staging, date of HIV diagnosis, date of ART initiation, missed appointments, presence of a tuberculosis diagnosis and other opportunistic infections, disclosure of HIV status, history of mental illness, substance use, sexual debut, exposure and risk behavior, support group participation and satisfaction with health services recieved. Results reveal, among ALHIV surveyed, a viral suppression rate of 81%. In additon, viral suppression is associated with good level of adherence, higher level of education, membership of an HIV support group, and always being accompanied to the clinic