Combination Anti-Retroviral Therapy (cART) Prescription Patterns and Their Efficacy in Suppressing HIV Viral Load among HIV-1 Positive Patients in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

Background : No data is available on combination therapy prescription patterns and their viral load suppression efficacy. This study assessed Anti-Retroviral Therapy prescription patterns and their virological efficacy in achieving HIV-1 viral suppression. Methods : Data was retrospectively extracted using a standardized checklist; entered into and cleaned in SPSS version 25 before analysis. Pearson's χ² assessed associations between factors and categorical outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing virological suppression at each time point. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results : High utilization of first-line regimens (91.1%) and strong adherence (73.3%) were seen in this analysis of 7,689 HIV-1 ART users (mean age 43, 64.4% female). Current use was dominated by 1J (53.8%), with initial regimens consisting of 1c (32.9%), 1e (32.1%), and 1a (21.6%). The virological suppression rate was greater in females (92.7%) than males (87.5%). Female sex, younger age, longer ART duration, earlier disease stage, adherence, follow-up, CD4 levels, and regimen switching were among the factors associated with suppression. Conclusion : Female sex, younger age, longer ART duration, earlier disease stage, strong adherence, continuous follow-up, higher CD4 counts, and particular regimens were all associated with favorable virological outcomes. Certain regimens and a lower baseline viral load were also linked to suppression in youngsters. With an emphasis on improving outcomes for males and those with advanced disease, our data highlight consistent ART access and adherence. In order to further enhance treatment results and lower transmission, they additionally emphasize the necessity of prompt regimen modifications and genomic surveillance.