Variables Related to Viral Load and CD4 Variance in Men Living with HIV

In 2018, 37,968 individuals were diagnosed with HIV in the United States (CDC, 2018). Self-identified men made up 81% of all newly diagnosed cases, particularly men who have sex with men (CDC, 2020). Achieving viral load suppression allows men living with HIV to obtain optimal health, maintain quality of life, and prevent the virus's spread (Sax, 2012). Past research in HIV treatment has mainly focused on individual health behaviors, such as medication adherence, to account for the variances in these variables; however, the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and chronic conditions have gradually become a subject of HIV treatment research. SDOH's are defined by "the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age" (Bravemen et al., 2011, p.2). Chronic conditions, including; physical, mental health, and chronic pain, are defined as a chronic illness that lasts one year or more, requiring ongoing medical attention and affecting daily living (CDC, 2021). The purpose of this study was to test whether SDOH and chronic conditions, individually and collectively, influence viral load and CD4 count variance in men living with HIV. The sample consisted of 130 men living with HIV receiving services at a non-profit for HIV + individuals who were assessed for SDOH's and chronic illnesses. Results of Independent T-tests suggested that men who had insurance, income, and chronic pain had a higher mean viral load compared to men with an absence of these variables. In contrast, socially active men had a lower mean viral load than men who were not socially active. The multiple regression model using both groups explained more of the sample's viral load variance compared to the variables separately. The implication of the study's findings and future directions will be discussed.