Prevalence of Nonsuppressed Viral Load and Associated Factors Among Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (2015-2017): Results from Population-Based Nationally-Representative Surveys

Introduction: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a target of [≥]90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to have viral load suppression (VLS). We examined factors associated with nonsuppressed viral Load (NVL). Methods: We included PLHIV receiving ART aged 15-59 years from Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Blood samples from PLHIV were analyzed for HIV RNA and recent exposure to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Outcomes were NVL (viral load [≥]1000 copies/mL), virologic failure (VF; ARVs present and viral load [≥]1000 copies/mL), interrupted ART (ARVs absent and viral load [≥]1000 copies/mL), and receiving second-line ART. We calculated odds ratios and incidence rate ratios for factors associated with NVL, VF, interrupted ART, and switching to second-line ART. Results: The prevalence of NVL was 11.2%: 8.2% experienced VF, and 3.0% interrupted ART. Younger age, male gender, less education, suboptimal adherence, receiving nevirapine, HIV non-disclosure, never having married, and residing in Zimbabwe, Lesotho, or Zambia were associated with higher odds of NVL. Among people with NVL, marriage, female gender, shorter ART duration, higher CD4 count, and alcohol use were associated with higher odds for interrupted ART and lower odds for VF. Many people with VF (44.8%) had CD4 counts <200 cells/L, but few (0.31% per year) switched to second-line ART. Conclusions: Countries are approaching UNAIDS VLS targets for adults. Treatment support for people initiating ART with asymptomatic HIV infection, scale-up of viral load monitoring, and optimized ART regimens may further reduce NVL prevalence.