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Olawepo JO, O'Brien K, Papasodoro J, Coombs PE, Singh N, Gupta S, Bhan A, Olakunde BO, Ezeanolue EE. Retention in Care Among People Living with HIV in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Res Health Sci 2024; 24:e00618. [PMID: 39311101 PMCID: PMC11380731 DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2024.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021, Nigeria had an estimated 1.9 million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and 1.7 million (90%) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they reported on ART retention in care among PLHIV in Nigeria. The random-effects meta-analyses were used to combine the studies that had complete retention data. The I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. A sensitivity analysis was then done by conducting a leave-one-out analysis. Afterward, data were analyzed using STATA version 18. RESULTS The search yielded 966 unique articles, of which 52 studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, and four experimental studies were split into their component arms. The total number of study participants was 563,410, and the pooled retention rate was 72% (95% CI: 67%, 76%; I2=99.9%; n=57). Sub-analysis showed that the Southeast region of Nigeria had the highest retention of 86% (95% CI: 78%, 92%), and the South-South had the lowest retention (58%; 95% CI: 38%, 79%). CONCLUSION In Nigeria, the pooled ART retention rate is less than optimal to achieve the UNAIDS goal of 95%, thus developing new models for ART retention is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O. Olawepo
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Katherine O'Brien
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Julia Papasodoro
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Philip E. Coombs
- Department of Research and Instruction, Northeastern University Library, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Neha Singh
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Shubhi Gupta
- Department of Health Informatics, Khoury College of Computer Science, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Aarushi Bhan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Babayemi O. Olakunde
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Population and Community Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Echezona E. Ezeanolue
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
- Healthy Sunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Ochonye B, Sanni OF, Emmanuel G, Umoh P, Kalaiwo A, Abang R, Amechi P, Ahkigbe M, Akinpelumi S, Motilewa O. A retrospective study of tuberculosis prevalence and associated factors among HIV-positive key populations in Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003461. [PMID: 38995935 PMCID: PMC11244832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
HIV is a major risk factor for active Tuberculosis (TB.) This raises patients' risk of original infection, reinfection, and TB reactivation. Providing healthcare to KPLHIV in developing countries requires TB prevalence research. This study aims to determine the prevalence of TB and HIV co-infection and associated factors among KPLHIV. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study among KP's living with HIV enrolled on care in One Stop Shop (OSS) of Heartland Alliance Ltd/GTE across six states in Nigeria. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Secondary data analysis of client's records from the RADET files of the KPCARE 1 project from 6 states was conducted. Means with standard deviations were computed for continuous variables like age, and frequency tables were generated for categorical variables. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used for the bivariate analysis of variables. All tests were done at a 5% level of statistical significance (p = 0.05).TB prevalence was 19.1% among KP's living with HIV, with variations observed in age groups, geographic locations, target populations, marital status, educational backgrounds, clinical characteristics, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) history. KPs aged 51 and above exhibited the highest TB prevalence (21.0%), while those aged below 20 years had the lowest (18.2%). Jigawa KPs recorded the highest TB prevalence (38.4%), and Niger had the least (13.3%). TB was more prevalent among People who inject drugs (20.3%), divorced (32.3%), and those who attained Qur'anic education (29.7%). KPs who had to restart ART exhibited the highest TB prevalence (22.0%), whereas those who experienced Interruption in treatment (IIT) reported the lowest at 10.0%. Immune-suppressed KPs (CD4 counts < 200 cells/m3) had a higher TB prevalence of 26.6%. TB prevalence among KPs living with HIV varies greatly, underlining the need for targeted treatments, especially for high-risk categories, to improve HIV treatment outcomes and reduce TB prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Godwin Emmanuel
- Research and Development Department, Heartland Alliance, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Paul Umoh
- Research and Development Department, Heartland Alliance, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Roger Abang
- Research and Development Department, Heartland Alliance, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Paul Amechi
- Research and Development Department, Heartland Alliance, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mark Ahkigbe
- Research and Development Department, Heartland Alliance, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Olugbemi Motilewa
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
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Thomadakis C, Yiannoutsos CT, Pantazis N, Diero L, Mwangi A, Musick BS, Wools-Kaloustian K, Touloumi G. The Effect of HIV Treatment Interruption on Subsequent Immunological Response. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1181-1191. [PMID: 37045803 PMCID: PMC10326612 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recovery of CD4-positive T lymphocyte count after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been thoroughly examined among people with human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, immunological response after restart of ART following care interruption is less well studied. We compared CD4 cell-count trends before disengagement from care and after ART reinitiation. Data were obtained from the East Africa International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Collaboration (2001-2011; n = 62,534). CD4 cell-count trends before disengagement, during disengagement, and after ART reinitiation were simultaneously estimated through a linear mixed model with 2 subject-specific knots placed at the times of disengagement and treatment reinitiation. We also estimated CD4 trends conditional on the baseline CD4 value. A total of 10,961 patients returned to care after disengagement from care, with the median gap in care being 2.7 (interquartile range, 2.1-5.4) months. Our model showed that CD4 cell-count increases after ART reinitiation were much slower than those before disengagement. Assuming that disengagement from care occurred 12 months after ART initiation and a 3-month treatment gap, CD4 counts measured at 3 years since ART initiation would be lower by 36.5 cells/μL than those obtained under no disengagement. Given that poorer CD4 restoration is associated with increased mortality/morbidity, specific interventions targeted at better retention in care are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Thomadakis
- Correspondence to Dr. Christos Thomadakis, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (e-mail: )
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Psychological Distress Increases 30-Fold Among People with HIV in the First Year on ART in Nigeria-a Call for Integrated Mental Health Services. Int J Behav Med 2023; 30:38-48. [PMID: 35226343 PMCID: PMC8883753 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10068-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have longitudinally assessed psychological distress among people with HIV (PWH) initiating ART in resource-limited settings. METHOD Baseline, 6-month, and 12-month psychological distress were measured in a Nigerian cohort newly initiating therapy; the relationship between baseline factors and psychological distress at 12 months was assessed; and the association between psychological distress at 12 months and care retention or immunologic failure was determined. RESULTS Among 563 patients, median age was 38 years (IQR: 33-46 years), 62% were female, and 51% were married. Psychological distress increased from 3% at baseline to 34% at 12 months. Age (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.06-1.56), female sex (aOR 2.89, 95% CI 1.93-4.33), lack of disclosure (aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.48-7.51), and time on ART (6 months [aOR 6.91, 95% CI 3.14-15.18] and 12 months [aOR 32.63, 95% CI 16.54-64.36]) were associated with psychological distress while being married (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.30-0.61) was associated with reduced odds. Tweve-month psychological distress was associated with increased risk of immunologic failure (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.31-3.82). CONCLUSION The risk of psychological distress increased 30-fold in the first year on therapy in PWH in Nigeria.
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Audet CM, Pettapiece-Phillips M, Tian Y, Shepherd BE, Vermund SH, Salato J. "If it weren't for my traditional healer, I would be dead": Engaging traditional healers to support people living with HIV in rural Mozambique. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270565. [PMID: 35763519 PMCID: PMC9239464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Across rural sub-Saharan Africa, people living with HIV (PLHIV) commonly seek out treatment from traditional healers. We report on the clinical outcomes of a community health worker intervention adapted for traditional healers with insight into our results from qualitative interviews. We employed a pre-post intervention study design and used sequential mixed methods to assess the impact of a traditional healer support worker intervention in Zambézia province, Mozambique. After receiving a positive test result, 276 participants who were newly enrolled in HIV treatment and were interested in receiving home-based support from a traditional healer were recruited into the study. Those who enrolled from February 2016 to August 2016 received standard of care services, while those who enrolled from June 2017 to May 2018 received support from a traditional healer. We conducted interviews among healers and participants to gain insight into fidelity of study activities, barriers to support, and program improvement. Medication possession ratio at home (based on pharmacy pick-up dates) was not significantly different between pre- and post-intervention participants (0.80 in the pre-intervention group compared to 0.79 in the post-intervention group; p = 0.96). Participants reported receiving educational and psychosocial support from healers. Healers adapted their support protocol to initiate directly observed therapy among participants with poor adherence. Traditional healers can provide community-based psychosocial support, education, directly observed therapy, and disclosure assistance for PLHIV. Multiple factors may hinder patients' desire and ability to remain adherent to treatment, including poverty, confusion about medication side effects, and frustration with wait times at the health facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M. Audet
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | | | - Yuqi Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jose Salato
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane, Mozambique
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Beres LK, Mody A, Sikombe K, Nicholas LH, Schwartz S, Eshun-Wilson I, Somwe P, Simbeza S, Pry JM, Kaumba P, McGready J, Holmes CB, Bolton-Moore C, Sikazwe I, Denison JA, Geng EH. The effect of tracer contact on return to care among adult, "lost to follow-up" patients living with HIV in Zambia: an instrumental variable analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25853. [PMID: 34921515 PMCID: PMC8683971 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tracing patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV care is widely practiced, yet we have little knowledge of its causal effect on care engagement. In a prospective, Zambian cohort, we examined the effect of tracing on return to care within 2 years of LTFU. METHODS We traced a stratified, random sample of LTFU patients who had received HIV care between August 2013 and July 2015. LTFU was defined as a gap of >90 days from last scheduled appointment in the routine electronic medical record. Extracting 2 years of follow-up visit data through 2017, we identified patients who returned. Using random selection for tracing as an instrumental variable (IV), we used conditional two-stage least squares regression to estimate the local average treatment effect of tracer contact on return. We examined the observational association between tracer contact and return among patient sub-groups self-confirmed as disengaged from care. RESULTS Of the 24,164 LTFU patients enumerated, 4380 were randomly selected for tracing and 1158 were contacted by a tracer within a median of 14.8 months post-loss. IV analysis found that patients contacted by a tracer because they were randomized to tracing were no more likely to return than those not contacted (adjusted risk difference [aRD]: 3%, 95% CI: -2%, 8%, p = 0.23). Observational data showed that among contacted, disengaged patients, the rate of return was higher in the week following tracer contact (IR 5.74, 95% CI: 3.78-8.71) than in the 2 weeks to 1-month post-contact (IR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.40-3.72). There was a greater effect of tracing among patients lost for >6 months compared to those contacted within 3 months of loss. CONCLUSIONS Overall, tracer contact did not causally increase LTFU patient return to HIV care, demonstrating the limited impact of tracing in this program, where contact occurred months after patients were LTFU. However, observational data suggest that tracing may speed return among some LTFU patients genuinely out-of-care. Further studies may improve tracing effectiveness by examining the mechanisms underlying the impact of tracing on return to care, the effect of tracing at different times-since-loss and using more accurate identification of patients who are truly disengaged to target tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaloke Mody
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Lauren Hersch Nicholas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jake M Pry
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Paul Kaumba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles B Holmes
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Julie A Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Beres LK, Schwartz S, Simbeza S, McGready J, Eshun-Wilson I, Mwamba C, Sikombe K, Topp SM, Somwe P, Mody A, Mukamba N, Ehrenkranz PD, Padian N, Pry J, Moore CB, Holmes CB, Sikazwe I, Denison JA, Geng E. Patterns and Predictors of Incident Return to HIV Care Among Traced, Disengaged Patients in Zambia: Analysis of a Prospective Cohort. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:313-322. [PMID: 33149000 PMCID: PMC7878284 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic movement of patients in and out of HIV care is prevalent, but there is limited information on patterns of patient re-engagement or predictors of return to guide HIV programs to better support patient engagement. METHODS From a probability-based sample of lost to follow-up, adult patients traced by peer educators from 31 Zambian health facilities, we prospectively followed disengaged HIV patients for return clinic visits. We estimated the cumulative incidence of return and the time to return using Kaplan-Meier methods. We used univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to conduct a risk factor analysis identifying predictors of incident return across a social ecological framework. RESULTS Of the 556 disengaged patients, 73.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 61.0 to 83.8] returned to HIV care. The median follow-up time from disengagement was 32.3 months (interquartile range: 23.6-38.9). The rate of return decreased with time postdisengagement. Independent predictors of incident return included a previous gap in care [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 1.95, 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.09] and confronting a stigmatizer once in the past year (aHR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.65). Compared with a rural facility, patients were less likely to return if they sought care from an urban facility (aHR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.96) or hospital (aHR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.82). CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to hasten re-engagement in HIV care. Early and differential interventions by time since disengagement may improve intervention effectiveness. Patients in urban and tertiary care settings may need additional support. Improving patient resilience, outreach after a care gap, and community stigma reduction may facilitate return. Future re-engagement research should include causal evaluation of identified factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD;
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Washington, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Chanda Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
| | | | - Stephanie M. Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia;
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
| | - Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Washington, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Njekwa Mukamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
| | | | - Nancy Padian
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; and
| | - Jake Pry
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Washington, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Carolyn Bolton Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Charles B. Holmes
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD;
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia;
| | - Julie A. Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD;
| | - Elvin Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, University of Washington, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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The impact of user fees on uptake of HIV services and adherence to HIV treatment: Findings from a large HIV program in Nigeria. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238720. [PMID: 33031440 PMCID: PMC7544141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global HIV funding cutbacks have been accompanied by the adoption of user fees to address funding gaps in treatment programs. Our objective was to assess the impact of user fees on HIV care utilization and medication adherence in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in care before (October 2012-September 2013) and after (October 2014-September 2015) the introduction of user fees in a Nigerian clinic. We assessed pre- vs. post-user fee patient characteristics and enrollment trends, and determined risk of care interruption, loss to follow-up, and optimal medication adherence. Results After fees were instituted, there was a 66% decline in patient enrollment and 75% decline in number of ART doses dispensed. There was no difference in the proportion of female clients (64% vs 63%, p = 0.46), average age (36 vs. 37 years, p = 0.15), or median baseline CD4 (220/ul vs. 222/uL, p = 0.24) in pre- and post-fee cohorts. There was an increase in clients employed and/or had tertiary education (24% vs. 32%, p<0.001). Compared to pre-fee patients, the post-fee period had a 48% decreased risk of care interruption (aRR = 0.52, 95%CI:0.39–0.69), 22% decreased LTFU risk (aRR = 0.64, 95%CI:0.96), and 27% decreased odds of optimal medication adherence (aOR = 0.7, 3 95%CI 0.59–0.89). Conclusions Patients enrolled in care after introduction of user fees in Nigeria were more likely to be educated or employed, and effectively retained in care after starting ART. However, fees were accompanied by a drastic reduction in new patient enrollment, suggesting that many patients may have been marginalized from HIV care.
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