Factors associated with viral load suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adolescents and young adults in Ngororero District, Rwanda

Background Optimal viral load suppression results from good adherence to treatment. The viral load suppression advantages include the reduction of virus transmission. In Rwanda, however, viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults has been proven relatively low than in other age groups. Objectives To assess the factors associated with viral load suppression among adolescent and young adults in Ngororero district, Rwanda. Methods A cross sectional study that included 151 adolescents and young adults aged from 15 to 24 years was conducted in Ngororero district. Data were entered in Epi-Info version 7 software and analyzed using STATA15. Results Females and males were 68% and 32% respectively. Sixty percent of the participants were aged20-24 years. Multivariable analysis revealed the factors associated with viral load suppression: Ubudehe category 2, P= 0.016, AOR = 6.6, CI [1.4, 31.1]; ubudehe category 3, P= 0.004, AOR = 8.9, CI [2.01,39.8]; spending between 5 to 9 years on ART, P= 0.022, AOR = 0.16 [CI0.03, 0.89;) and often forget to take medication, P= 0.011, AOR = 0.35, CI [0.13, 0.97.] Conclusion Viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults was low. Improving socio-economic conditions of adolescents and young adults, as well as provision of continuous counselling to them during their whole treatment life can improve significantly their adherence.

Factors associated with delayed rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, 2017 to 2019

Background Rabies is an incurable zoonotic disease of public health concern. After exposure the only effective intervention is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Surveillance data in Rwanda shows that a high number of dog bites do not get PEP in time. Objectives Determine factors associated with delays in post-exposure prophylaxis among victims of dog bites. Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Nyagatare District. It targeted people bitten by dogs and who attended Nyagatare district from January 2017 to December 2019. Review of registers and interview with victims were used to collected data using excel and analyze them using STATA version 15. Odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results Among 412 dog bite victims, 161 (39%) delayed getting PEP. The more likely to delay in getting PEP, were people living in rural areas, AOR = 3.54, 95%CI [2.12, 5.90], and those without medical insurance, AOR = 4.40, 95%CI [1.82-10.62]. Conclusion Seeking PEP among dog bites victims is subject to delay in Nyagatare district. Local leaders should establish initiatives to support people to get medical insurance while public health officers need to prioritize sensitization for PEP for people living in rural areas.