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has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Retention in HIV Care among Patients Testing Positive for HIV and Ineligible to Start Antiretroviral Therapy

  AUTHORS: Kenneth Anene Agu, Mohammed Alfa Isah, Dorothy Oqua, Rosalyn C. King, Anthony K. Wutoh

  KEYWORDS: Retention; Attrition; HIV Care; Patients; Nigeria

  JOURNAL NAME: World Journal of AIDS, Vol.2 No.4, December 12, 2012

  ABSTRACT: Background: The failure to monitor and link patients from HIV testing to HIV care and retain them in care until they are eligible for ART is a major barrier to early ART initiation. This study evaluated the retention in pre-ART care of HIV-positive patients who are ineligible to start ART in Nigeria. Methods: Out of 1766 ART-ineligible HIV-positive patients enrolled into pre-ART care (during 1st March to 31st December 2007), 1,098 patients were randomly selected for a five-year (ending 30th April 2012) retrospective cohort assessment using routine data in two health facilities. Retention was defined as remaining connected to pre-ART care once entered until ART initiation or transfer-out to continue care elsewhere. Probability of retention was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival method and log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards model was used for attrition and P P P P = 0.000]. Socio-demographic characteristics, CD4 cells count and WHO clinical stage at pre-ART enrolment were not associated with attrition (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Retention in pre-ART care was somewhat poor. Uptake of CPT significantly improved retention. Majority of attrition occurred in first year of pre-ART care. Close monitoring and tracking of patients during this period is recommended.