Title : Unmasking post-ADR outcomes among PLHIV: A Nairobi County study at level 3 health facilities in a LMICs setting on ART safety and continuity

Abstract:

•Background/Introduction.
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain a pressing challenge for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where ART access has expanded but pharmacovigilance systems remain fragile. In Kenya, despite increased ART coverage, the reporting and management of post-ADRs (pADRs) are still limited, posing risks to patient safety, treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. This study assessed the frequency and characteristics of pADRs among PLHIV on first-line regimens in two high-volume Level 3 health facilities in Nairobi County, providing timely insights into overlooked gaps in HIV care.

•Methodology.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Karen and Riruta Health Centres in Nairobi County. Medical records of 175 PLHIV aged 15 years and above drawn from a total of 603 eligible ADR reports between 2014 and 2019 were purposively sampled. Quantitative data was extracted, cleaned and analysed using SPSS v24. Descriptive and inferential statistics including ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate the association between demographic factors, ART regimens, ADR types and follow-up outcomes.

•Results
Among the 175 PLHIV participants analyzed, 67.4% were female and 32.6% male, with an average age of 42 and 43 years respectively. Initial ADRs were more prevalent at Karen Health Centre (75%) compared to Riruta (37%), while follow-up ADRs were more common in Riruta (13%) than Karen (5%). Lipodystrophy (30%) and neuropathy (19%) were the most frequent ADRs, disproportionately affecting females. Females also reported longer ART durations averaging 47 months in Riruta and experienced more moderate ADRs, including one fatality. Male specific ADRs included gynaecomastia (17.6%), rash (42%) and anaemia (38%). Overall, 77.2% of PLHIV with unspecified ADR types remained active in care but three females were lost to follow-up and two patients (1 male, 1 female) died. Clinical responses included drug

Biography:

Jeniffer Namazzi Adungosi is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience in health supply chains, pharmacovigilance, and immunization programs. She holds qualifications in International Health, Executive Business Administration, Health Systems Management and Pharmacy. Jeniffer currently serves as Associate, Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics at Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)’s Global Vaccines Delivery team, supporting several countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Cameroon. She has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and global health summits. Her work integrates data-driven strategies, digital health solutions and stakeholder collaboration to strengthen vaccine access and health system resilience across LMICs.