Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Aug 2022)

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

  • Onyekachi Anukam MPH,
  • Natalia Blanco PhD,
  • Jibreel Jumare PhD,
  • Julia Lo MSPH,
  • Ezra Babatunde BSc,
  • Solomon Odafe MBBS,
  • Dennis Onotu MBBS,
  • Uzoma Ene MBBS,
  • Johnson Fagbamigbe MBBS,
  • Deborah Carpenter MD,
  • Emilia D. Rivadeneira MD,
  • Austin I. Omoigberale PhD,
  • Manhattan Charurat PhD,
  • Mahesh Swaminathan MD,
  • Kristen A. Stafford PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582221117009
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21

Abstract

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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.