Adherence to antiretroviral treatment in children at the Center of Excellence for the care of people living with HIV/AIDS at the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Treatment adherence among children living with HIV is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, pediatric antiretroviral therapy coverage remains low, with marked disparities related to sex, parental status, and age. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Center of Excellence of the University of Lubumbashi, covering 158 medical records of children aged 2 to 14 years under ARV treatment between 2015 and 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical and virological variables were analyzed, and statistical tests (chi-square, Student, multivariate regression) were used to identify the determinants of adherence. Results: The study revealed treatment interruption in 19% of cases, more frequent in boys (21.1%) and in children with undetermined parental status (33.3%). Adolescent girls (11–15 years) were overrepresented (43%) but had better viral suppression. Conversely, boys showed a higher prevalence of detectable viral loads. The absence of virological data correlated with a more frequent treatment interruption (33.3%), reflecting possible undocumented losses to follow-up or deaths. Conclusion: Pediatric treatment adherence is influenced by complex factors, including gender, psychosocial context, and follow-up regularity. Gender-differentiated interventions, supported by community programs, are essential to improve retention in care and ensure long-term therapeutic effectiveness.
Authors: Astrid, LOKOTSHE KANYAMA, Dodo, MANDA MUKENDI, Emmanuel, TSHIBANGU MANYONGA, Nathalie, MBUYAMBA MUTOMBO, Jerome, NYEMBO LUKAMBA, Athy, KALUMBA KAMBOTE, David, ELO MBOBA, Odon, PANSHI WA PANSHI, Guy, KANDJA LWAMBA, Franck, KANSANS TSHINENGO, Bijou, KANKU KAZIBALE, YANTAMBWE Elie, KABIKA, Jirene, NDJIBU EBONDO, Erick, MAKOY NGINDU, Didier, LUBELANU NKANZA, Djo, BANZA MONGA, Pierre, MAZONO MBANG, ILUNGA Eric, KASAMBA, Philomène, LUNGU ANZWAL
Institution: University of Lubumbashi
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7108228500
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