Sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with viral load non-suppression and body mass index in adults with depression symptoms receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa

Abstract

This study identified sociodemographic risk factors associated with viral non-suppression in PLWH, but most of them were not associated with further changes over time. Functional disability, however, was a risk factor with long-term implications. Younger people and women were at greater risk of BMI increasing over time. This suggests a need for ART programs to integrate long-term support services like frequent adherence assessment, mental health, rehabilitation and weight management strategies tailored to high-risk groups. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02407691), Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (201504001078347), South African National Clinical Trials Register (SANCTR) (DOH-27-0515-5048, NHREC 4048).