Culture, Clinic and HIV/AIDS: a focus on the challenges of caring for patients under treatment at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center of N’djamena in Chad
TL;DR
The challenges of managing patients on ART at the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena showed that achieving care objectives requires an integrated and multidimensional approach to treatment.
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is viral suppression. Despite numerous efforts through public policy, the failure to achieve viral suppression remains a major concern for the Chadian healthcare system. The objective of this study was to analyze the challenges of managing patients on ART at the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 7 to September 6, 2025, among 422 women living with HIV/AIDS, followed at the HIV Treatment Center (CTA) of the Mother and Child University Hospital in N'Djamena. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and associations between variables were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: As a result, the prevalence of unsuppressed viral load was 36.49%, compared to 14.45% of suppressed loads (50–1,000 copies/ml) and 49.05% undetectable loads, for an overall suppression rate of 63.5%. Challenges such as stigmatization (OR = 9.18; p = 0.001) and recourse to traditional healers (OR = 22.42; p = 0.001); high stress (OR = 268.64; p = 0.001), alcohol or tobacco use (OR = 19.58; p = 0.001), and associated hepatitis (OR = 1; p = 0.003) were the main factors associated with patient management. Conclusion: Ultimately, achieving care objectives requires an integrated and multidimensional approach to treatment.