Impact of Age on HIV Treatment Outcomes in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Mutevedzi Portia C., Lessells Richard J., Rodger Alison J., Newell Marie-Louise
Primary Institution: Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Hypothesis
Does age affect treatment outcomes for adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in a rural HIV treatment cohort?
Conclusion
Older adults have higher early mortality rates on antiretroviral therapy compared to younger adults, but mortality rates equalize after one year.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults had 32% excess mortality compared to those aged 25-49 years.
- Overall mortality rates were higher for older adults at 8.69 per 100 person-years.
- In the first year on ART, older adults had significantly higher mortality rates than younger adults.
Takeaway
Older people getting HIV treatment are more likely to die in the first year than younger people, but after that, their chances of survival are similar.
Methodology
Retrospective cohort analysis of adults initiating ART from August 2004 to October 2009, stratified by age.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding by adherence levels or other unmeasured variables.
Limitations
Missing data for follow-up CD4 counts and viral loads may affect results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 808 young adults (16-24 years), 7119 mid-age adults (25-49 years), and 919 older adults (≥50 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.09–1.60
Statistical Significance
p=0.004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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