Assessment of Treatment Outcomes for Patients Living with HIV/Aids on Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir In A Secondary Healthcare Facility in Niger State

Abstract

Introduction: The fixed dose combination of TLD was recommended as first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV/AIDS by the World Health Organization (WHO) and was adopted in Nigeria in 2019.This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of transitioning to and the effectiveness of Dolutegravir-Based regimen. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of TLD on viral suppression among people leaving with HIV/AIDS in a secondary health care facility in Niger state, Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed records of adult HIV-Positive clients on first line ART at general hospital kutigi, Niger State, Nigeria over a period of six years (January 2018 to December 2023). Using appropriate statistical methods, we assessed clients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained (HMB/GHK/VOL.1/2) and data collected using adapted tool. All adult clients on first line regimen were included in the study with the exclusion of clients on second line and pediatric clients. Whole population (Census) was used for the study due to small population size and accuracy of data. Results: A total of 265 client records were reviewed in 2023 to estimate the level of viral suppression in people living with HIV and on treatment with Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen and those transitioned from Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz (TLE) in 2020, with male to female ratio of 1:2.4 with a mean age of 41.01±22.65 years. The study found a significant improvement in viral suppression from 85.1% to 99.6% three years post transitioning. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the TLD regimen is highly effective in achieving viral suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS, these results support the continued use of TLD and may inform decisions by policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers.