Interest in long-acting injectable ART among adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV in Cameroon: Implications for implementation in developing countries

Yagai Bouba, Aude Christelle Ka’e, Cynthia Ayafor, Lum Forgwei, Jeremiah Efakika Gabisa, Daniel Mabongo, Alex Durand Nka, Rita Ekwoge Mejane, Suzie Ndiang Tetang, Rachel Simo Kamgaing, Francis Ndongo Ateba, Nadine Nguendjoung Fainguem, Michel Carlos Tommo Tchouaket, Desire Takou, Nelly Kamgaing, Michelle Aloum Menye, Félicité Noukayo, Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue, Roland Wome Basseck, Agabus Wiadamong, Abdou Rahamani Gnambi, Catherine Eyenga, Naomi-Karell Etame, Aurelie Minelle Kengni Ngueko, Larissa Gaëlle Moko Fotso, Junie Flore Yimga, Grace Anong Beloumou, Collins Ambe Chenwi, Samuel Martin Sosso, Alice Ketchaji, Hyppolite Kuekou Tchidjou, Gregory Edie Halle Ekane, Paul Ndombo Koki, Daniele Armenia, Vittorio Colizzi, Rogers Awoh Ajeh, Gianluca Russo, Stefano D’amelio, Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein, Carlo-Federico Perno, Alexis Ndjolo, Maria Mercedes Santoro and Joseph Fokam

PLOS Global Public Health, 2026, vol. 6, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART) has the potential to transform HIV treatment for adolescents with perinatal HIV infection (APHI). Given the existing knowledge gaps surrounding this recent strategy, we aimed to assess interest in LAI-ART among ART-experienced APHI in Cameroon. We conducted a cross-sectional study among ART-experienced APHI aged 10–19 years, across four paediatric HIV clinics in the Centre region of Cameroon. Data were collected from 4 to 30 November 2024 using structured questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of, and interest in LAI-ART. HIV-1 viral load (VL) and CD4 cell counts were measured during the same period. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with interest in switching to LAI-ART. Of 248 participants (48.8% female; median [IQR] age 15 [13–17]), 40.0% lived with a guardian and 75.8% had partial/full HIV-disclosure; 3.2% reported stigma. Clinically, 77.5% were in multi-month ARV-dispensation (MDSD) and 28.2% had poor ART-adherence; fear of injection was none/moderate/high in 73.4%, 15.7% and 10.9%, respectively. Viral undetectability (VL

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pgph00:0006293

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0006293

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