Retention in HIV Care in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Sydney Rosen, Matthew P. Fox
Hypothesis
What proportion of adult patients who test positive for HIV are staged, enroll, and remain in pre-ART care until ART eligibility, and initiate ART as soon as eligible?
Conclusion
Less than one-third of patients testing positive for HIV and not yet eligible for ART when diagnosed are retained continuously in pre-ART care.
Supporting Evidence
- Median retention rates were 59% in Stage 1, 46% in Stage 2, and 68% in Stage 3.
- Only a few studies were identified, and most were conducted in South Africa.
- Retention in pre-ART care is crucial for improving health outcomes for HIV-positive individuals.
Takeaway
This study found that many people who test positive for HIV in Africa don't stay in care until they can start treatment, which is really important for their health.
Methodology
A systematic review of studies on patient retention between HIV testing and ART initiation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Potential Biases
Publication bias may have affected summary estimates due to the limited number of studies available.
Limitations
The quality and heterogeneity of the studies prevented meaningful synthesis of the results, and many studies lacked standard definitions and clear outcome measures.
Participant Demographics
The studies included adult patients testing positive for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website