ArticleHIV

Rodolphe Mérieux Laboratory of Haiti

Attrition from HIV testing to antiretroviral therapy initiation among patients newly diagnosed with HIV in Haiti

Noel E, Esperance M, McLaughlin M, Bertrand R, Devieux J, Severe P, Marcelin A, Nicotera J, Delcher C, Griswold M, Meredith G, Pape JW, Koenig SP

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2012 Dec 18

Abstract

Objective: We report rates and risk factors for attrition in the first cohort of patients followed through all stages from HIV testing to ART initiation. DESIGN:: Cohort study of all patients diagnosed with HIV between January and June, 2009.
Methods: We calculated the proportion of patients who completed CD4 cell counts and initiated ART or remained in pre-ART care during two years of follow-up, and assessed predictors of attrition.
Results: Of 1,427 patients newly diagnosed with HIV, 680 (48%) either initiated ART or were retained in pre-ART care for the subsequent two years. One thousand eighty-three patients (76%) received a CD4 cell count and 973 (90%) returned for result; 297 (31%) had CD4 cell count <200 cells/µl and of these, 256 (86%) initiated ART. Among 429 patients with CD4 >350 cells/µl, 215 (50%) started ART or were retained in pre-ART care. Active TB was associated with lower odds of attrition prior to CD4 cell count (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03-0.25) but also higher odds of attrition prior to ART initiation (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.29-4.71). Lower annual income (≤$US125) was associated with higher odds of attrition prior to CD4 cell count (OR 1.65; 95% CI: 1.25-2.19), and prior to ART initiation among those with CD4 cell count >350 cells/µl (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.20-2.52).After tracking patients through a national database, the retention rate increased to only 57%.
Conclusion: Fewer than half of patients newly diagnosed with HIV initiate ART or remain in pre-ART care for two years in a clinic providing comprehensive services. Additional efforts to improve retention in pre-ART are critically needed.

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