When are patients lost to follow-up in pre-antiretroviral therapy care? a retrospective assessment of patients in an Ethiopian rural hospital

• DOI: 10.1186/s40249-015-0056-y
• Publication Date: 2015-05-08T10:56:57Z
• Authors: Tamrat Shaweno; Debebe Shaweno
• Keywords: Lost to follow-up

There is concern about the increasing rates of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among pre-antiretroviral therapy (pre-ART) patients in Ethiopia. Little information available regarding time when pre-ART are lost country. This study assessed LTFU occurs as well associated factors adults enrolled care an Ethiopian rural hospital. Data all adult at Sheka Zonal Hospital between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. Patients considered if they failed keep scheduled appointments for more than 90 days. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used assess with until LTFU. Kaplan-Meier survival table compare experiences patients, segregated by significant predictors. A total 626 followed 319.92 person-years observation (PYOs) from enrolment outcomes, overall rate 55.8 per 100 PYOs. 178 (28.4%) follow-up, 93% which occurred within first six months. median 6.13 independent predictors included: not having been started on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.79), a baseline CD4 count or above 350 cells/mm3 (AHR 1.87, 95%CI, 1.02–3.45), undisclosed HIV status 3.04, 2.07–4.45). proportion follow-up. Not prophylaxis, presenting cell ≥350 cells/mm3, patients. Thus, close monitoring tracking during this period highly recommended. Those identified risk deserve special attention.