Clinico-Biological and Immuno-Virological Profile of People Living with HIV Non-Adhering to HAART at the Lerato Clinic, Bertha Qxowa Hospital, Germiston, South Africa

Abstract

<i>Background and objectives</i>: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a mainstay in the management of PLWHIV, improving survival. However, since its advent and its side effects, the problem of adherence to this therapy arises... The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of non-adherence to HAART on clinical, biological, immunological and virological parameters. <i>Methods:</i> The investigator conducted a cross-sectional study at the Lerato Clinic at Bertha Qxowa Hospital in Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa, from September 2019 to December 2019. Included for participation were those over 18 years of age, on HAART for at least three months, consenting to participate, and attending the clinic during this period. Non-adherence was defined as taking their medication ≤ 95% of the time. A sample of 278 participants was selected. A non-adherence threshold of >5% was considered high, with P<0.05 statistical significance. <i>Results:</i> A sample of 278 participants was considered. Of these, 19% (n ꞊ 52) were non-adherent to HAART. Clinico-biologically and immunobiologically, this category had high averages of Systolic blood pressure, Waist circumference (WC), Hip circumference (HC), Creatinine, Urea, Uric acid, Blood glucose, Total cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides (TG), CRP and Viral load. While the mean values for diatolic blood pressure (DBP), CD4 count and body mass index (BMI) were lower. <i>Conclusion:</i> Patients receiving HAART but not adhering to it have a higher risk of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, chronic kidney disease and opportunistic infections. Regular monitoring of patients on HAART to avoid non-compliance is imperative to detect these risk factors and allow for early initiation of treatment.