Characteristics of ‘lost to follow up’ patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) defaulting at Tshwane District Hospital

Abstract

After 25 years of existence, the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) has become a global challenge. Yearly, about 3 million people in the sub Saharan region become infected with the disease each year, while 2 million die of the disease. The young, sexually active and those in the economically active group are mostly affected although other categories are also affected. Over the years efforts have been made to turn HIV infection from a death sentence to a manageable chronic disease through the use of antiretro viral treatment (ART). Despite the fact that this treatment is a life-long commitment with adherence being crucial to its effectiveness, some patients still default. This research study sought to identify the characteristics of HIV positive patients who are lost to follow up after the initiation of antiretroviral treatment over a 2-year period (2007-2008). A tick sheet was used to collect data from all the files of patients lost to follow up and 20 variables were tested. The conclusion reached is that age, sex, distance of residence to the ART site and economic capability contribute to ‘lost to follow-up’.