TITLE:
Adverse Effects Related to Antiretroviral Therapy in People with HIV in a General Reference Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Billy Paul Kaishusha Mupendwa, Josefina Garcia Eguiagaray, Baraka Mungungu Trésor, Lungere Kubaburhanzi Trésor, Espoir Batumike Murhi, Shabani Wa Shabani Lucien, Ghislain Maheshe-Balemba, Safi Biregeyi Catherine, Kesner Mateso, Salama Kaishusha David, Mannix Masimango Imani, Guy Mulumeoderhwa Mulinganya, J.-L.K. Ntokamunda
KEYWORDS:
Adverse Effects, Antiretroviral Therapy, People with HIV (PWV), Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.16 No.3,
September
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Antiretroviral therapy may be associated with adverse effects that can affect adherence among people with HIV. This study aimed to describe the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy and their association with treatment interruption among people with HIV followed at the Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy between January 2018 and January 2024. A total of 210 patients were included, with a median age of 44 years [35 - 52]. Female sex predominated (55.8%), with a sex ratio of 0.79 (M/F). Digestive disorders were the most frequently reported adverse effects. More than two-thirds of patients experienced at least one treatment interruption, with adverse effects being the most reported associated factor. Adverse effects were more frequently reported among patients receiving efavirenz-based regimens. These findings highlight that adverse effects are commonly reported and may be associated with treatment interruption, underscoring the importance of optimized monitoring and patient counseling to improve adherence.