Retention in a public healthcare system with free access to treatment

• DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e32834fa15e
• Publication Date: 2011-12-08T11:19:19Z
• Authors: Marie Helleberg; Frederik N. Engsig; Gitte Kronborg; Carsten S. Larsen; Gitte Pedersen; Court Pedersen; Jan Gerstoft; Niels Obel
• Keywords: Danish; Rate ratio; Retention rate

We aimed to assess retention of HIV-infected individuals in the Danish healthcare system over a 15-year period.Loss follow-up (LTFU) was defined as 365 days without contact HIV care system. Data were obtained from nationwide Cohort study, The National Hospital Registry and Civil Registration System. Incidence rates, risk factors for LTFU return mortality rate ratios (MRRs) estimated using Poisson regression analyses.We included 4745 patients who followed 36,692 person-years. Patients retained 95.0% person-years under observation, increasing 98.1% after initiation highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). overall incidence rate/100 first episode 2.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5-2.8] significantly lower HAART [1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.3)]. Five years probability 0.87 0.84-0.90). death increased [MRR 1.9 1.6-2.6)] 6 months or less 10.9 5.9-19.9)].Retention is high, especially HAART. Absence associated with mortality. conclude that high rates can be achieved free access favorable outcome.