IMPACT OF OPERATION TRIPLE ZERO INTERVENTION ON ART TREATMENT OUTCOMES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background:Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) face significant challenges in achieving optimal HIV treatment outcomes despite being on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) intervention on ART adherence and viral suppression among AYALHIV in Niger state, Nigeria. Method: A longitudinal clinical-ecological research design was employed with 228 AYALHIV on ART enrolled into the OTZ intervention across five health facilities in Niger state from June to November 2023.Data were collected at baseline and six months into the intervention (endline).Informed consent and/or assent were obtained from each study participant and/or their caregivers before commencement of the study. Results:The majority of participants (51%) were female,62% were older adolescents aged 15-19 years,78.9% had up to secondary education,and 98% were single.Participants' ART adherence rates and viral suppression rates increased from 84.2% to 92.1% and from 86.0% to 89.5% pre- and post-OTZ intervention.The study found statistically significant differences in ART adherence and viral suppression rates among participants before and after the intervention (p≤0.05). Conclusion:The study indicated that while there exist noteworthy levels of ART adherence and viral suppression after the intervention,these rates fell below the UNAIDS target of achieving 95% adherence and 95% viral suppression for persons on ART.Studies to determine the long-term effect of OTZ intervention and the use of OTZ intervention in combination with other evidence-based HIV prevention programs are recommended to ensure attainment of optimal treatment outcomes.