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Outcomes of HIV Positive Children and Adolescents Initiated on Antiretroviral Treatment in Nigeria (2007-2016).

Onyekachi AnukamNatalia C BlancoJibreel JumareJulia LoEzra BabatundeSolomon OdafeDennis OnotuUzoma EneJohnson FagbamigbeDeborah CarpenterEmilia D RivadeneiraAustin I OmoigberaleManhattan CharuratMahesh SwaminathanKristen Alyce Stafford
Published in: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (2022)
Background: This manuscript aimed to examine treatment outcomes of HIV-positive children and adolescents. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of a sample of patients aged 0-19 years who initiated ART (October 2007-September 2016) in participating sites in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. Results: Among 4006 patients alive at the end of the follow up period, 138 (3.4%) were LTFU. Adolescents had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU than children aged 3-5 years (HR 2.47 [95% CI 1.40-4.34]). Patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU (Stage IV HR, 3.66 [95% CI: 2.00-6.68]). On average, optimal ART refill adherence was met by 67.3% of patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that focusing on preventing and managing advanced disease and interventions supporting adolescents when transferring to adult care is warranted.
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