Acquired HIV drug resistance among children and adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania: a national representative survey protocol

Introduction Tanzania is making an enormous effort in scaling-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to succumb to the challenge of drug resistance. Evidence on drug resistance for a national survey is unavailable in Tanzania. Therefore, we sought to assess viral suppression (vs) rates and magnitude of acquired drug resistance (ADR) among PLHIV. Methods and analysis A national survey will be conducted from 26 July to 29 October 2021 in 22 regions, recruiting 2160 participants. These will include adults on ART for 9-15 months and >= 48 months and children on ART for 9-15 months and >= 36 months. A standardised questionnaire will capture participants' demographic and clinical data. Plasma and dried blood spot will be prepared for viral load testing and drug resistance genotyping. Statistical analyses to determine the burden of ADR, characteristics and factors associated therewith will be done using STATA V.15. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Tanzania (NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/3432). Appropriate participant informed consent or parental consent and assent will be obtained. Dissemination will include a survey report, conference presentations, policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications.

Automated summary

Tanzania is making efforts to scale-up antiretroviral therapy, but the challenge of drug resistance among people living with HIV remains. This national survey aims to assess viral suppression rates and acquired drug resistance among PLHIV, with data analysis using STATA V.15 for dissemination through various channels.