Culture, Clinic and HIV/AIDS: a focus on the challenges of caring for patients under treatment at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center of N’djamena in Chad
1
Recherche, Association Camerounaise de Santé Publique (ACASAP), Yaoundé, Cameroun
2
Sciences de la Santé, Institut Universitaire des Tropiques, Yaoundé, Cameroun
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is viral suppression by helping to maintain the viral load at an undetectable stage. Despite numerous efforts through public policies, the failure to achieve viral suppression remains a major concern for the Chadian healthcare system. The objective of this study was to analyze the challenges of managing patients on ART at the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study with a descriptive and retrospective goals was conducted from August 7 to September 6, 2025, among 422 women living with HIV/AIDS, followed at the HIV Treatment Center (CTA) of the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 version, Excell 2016 version softwares, and associations between variables were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS:
As a result, the prevalence of unsuppressed viral load was 36.49%, compared to 14.45% of suppressed loads (50–1,000 copies/ml) and 49.05% undetectable loads, for an overall suppression rate of 63.5%. Challenges such as stigmatization (OR = 9.18; p = 0.001) and resort to traditional healers (OR = 22.42; p = 0.001); high stress (OR = 268.64; p = 0.001), alcohol or tobacco use (OR = 19.58; p = 0.001), and associated hepatitis (OR = 1; p = 0.003) were the main factors associated with patient management. The religion and clinical factors, such as the duration of diagnosis or treatment, do not show a significant impact on viral suppression.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ultimately, the achievement of care objectives requires an integrated and multidimensional approach to treatment.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is viral suppression by helping to maintain the viral load at an undetectable stage. Despite numerous efforts through public policies, the failure to achieve viral suppression remains a major concern for the Chadian healthcare system. The objective of this study was to analyze the challenges of managing patients on ART at the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study with a descriptive and retrospective goals was conducted from August 7 to September 6, 2025, among 422 women living with HIV/AIDS, followed at the HIV Treatment Center (CTA) of the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 version, Excell 2016 version softwares, and associations between variables were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS:
As a result, the prevalence of unsuppressed viral load was 36.49%, compared to 14.45% of suppressed loads (50–1,000 copies/ml) and 49.05% undetectable loads, for an overall suppression rate of 63.5%. Challenges such as stigmatization (OR = 9.18; p = 0.001) and resort to traditional healers (OR = 22.42; p = 0.001); high stress (OR = 268.64; p = 0.001), alcohol or tobacco use (OR = 19.58; p = 0.001), and associated hepatitis (OR = 1; p = 0.003) were the main factors associated with patient management. The religion and clinical factors, such as the duration of diagnosis or treatment, do not show a significant impact on viral suppression.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ultimately, the achievement of care objectives requires an integrated and multidimensional approach to treatment.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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