Healthcare Utilization of Patients in an African National Treatment Program
Author Information
Author(s): Guy Harling, Catherine Orrell, Robin Wood
Primary Institution: The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Hypothesis
How does the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) affect healthcare utilization among treatment-naïve patients in South Africa?
Conclusion
Starting ART significantly reduces both inpatient and outpatient healthcare utilization for South African patients in the public sector.
Supporting Evidence
- Outpatient visits fell from 596 per 100 patient years before ART to 334 in the first 48 weeks on therapy.
- Inpatient days decreased from 2549 per 100 patient years pre-ART to 476 in the first 48 weeks on therapy.
- The majority of outpatient visits were for HIV-related illnesses up to 32 weeks on ART.
Takeaway
When people start taking medicine for HIV, they go to the hospital less often, which is good for their health and saves money.
Methodology
Data on healthcare utilization were collected retrospectively from medical records and patient files at a public-sector antiretroviral clinic.
Potential Biases
The study population may not represent the broader population due to the specific inclusion criteria and location.
Limitations
The sample size is small, and the study's retrospective design may affect the accuracy of the results.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"median":33,"IQR":"29-38"},"sex":{"female":153,"male":58},"WHO_clinical_stage":{"1_or_2":22,"3":97,"4":93},"CD4_count":{"≤_50":66,"51–100":58,"101–200":71,">_200":16}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website