The full article is available in JAIDS (Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes)
Abstract
Objective
Little is known about the evolution of programme outcomes associated with rapid expansion of ART in resource-limited settings. We describe temporal trends and assess associations with mortality and loss to follow-up (LTFU) in HIV cohorts from 8 countries.
Design
Multi-cohort study using electronic health records.
Methods
Analysis included adults in twenty-five Médecins Sans Frontières supported programmes initiating ART between 2001 and 2011. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to describe time to death or LTFU, and proportional hazards models to assess associations with individual and programme factors.
Conclusion
As ART expands in resource-limited settings, challenges remain in improving access to ART and preventing programme attrition. There is an urgent need for novel and sustainable models of care to increase long-term retention of patients.
Authors
Anna GRIMSRUD, Suna BALKAN, Esther C CASAS, Johnny LUJAN, Gilles VAN CUTSEM, Elisabeth POULET, Landon MYER, Mar PUJADES-RODRIGUEZ.