Publication
Title
Incidence and risk factors associated with lost to follow-up in a Belgian cohort of HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy
Author
Abstract
Being lost to follow-up (LTFU) is a major problem in caring for persons with HIV infection. We describe the proportions and characteristics of LTFU in a Belgian outpatient HIV clinic. All patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who attended at least two consultations were included. Patients not returning within the following year were considered LTFU. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed. The LTFU rate was 5.5% on average and remained stable over the years. Patients LTFU were more often intravenous drug users (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48), not covered by health insurance (OR = 6.69), living outside the province (OR = 1.49) and treated with a complex initial HAART regimen (OR = 5.80). Increased age was also associated with a higher risk of LTFU. Patients at risk for LTFU after starting HAART should be the targeted for reinforced counselling and HIV treatment centres should establish systems to trace patients LTFU.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of STD and AIDS / Association for Genito-Urinary Medicine [Belfast]; International Union Against the Venereal Diseases and the Treponematoses. - London, 1990, currens
Publication
London : 2010
ISSN
0956-4624 [print]
1758-1052 [online]
DOI
10.1258/IJSA.2010.010303
Volume/pages
21 :11 (2010) , p. 765-769
ISI
000287340800008
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 17.05.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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