The Association between Cholesterol Ratio and Viral load Among HIV individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy at a Tertiary Hospital in Zambia

Objective: To examine the association between cholesterol ratio and viral load among HIV positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (cART) Design and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Ndola Teaching Hospital in Zambia, focusing on individuals with HIV who were receiving care at the outpatient department. Through an in-depth secondary analysis of an existing database, we explored the relationship between cholesterol ratio and viral load in HIV-positive individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Using a quantitative-methods approach, we selected and processed data from the database to address our research question. The study records included patient subjects initiating and on cART within 12 months and were stratified into 3 groups namely: group A optimal normal (cholesterol ratio between 1 and 3.5), group B high normal (cholesterol ratio between 3.5 and 5) and group C, high cholesterol ratio (cholesterol ration above 5). STATA was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 174 participants were included in the study analysis, with 61% (107) being female and 39% (67) male. Lipid profiles fell within normal ranges for both genders. The median cholesterol ratio was [3.16 (2.93, 3.40)] and total cholesterol was [3.86 (3.02, 4.62)]. The median HDL-c concentration was higher in males [1.4 (1.21, 1.55)] than females [1.33(1.13, 1.51)].  The median viral load in females was [355; (20, 6770)] and in males, [254 (23, 2694)] with a p=0.84. The study identified an inverse relation between cholesterol ratio and viral load, but this association did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The study population predominantly exhibited normal cholesterol ratios, and although a potential inverse relationship with viral load was indicated, statistical significance was not established.