Work

Time to initiation of antiretroviral therapy and its predictors among newly diagnosed HIV positive at the selected public health centers in Adama Town, Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced HIV infections, but late initiation remains a major issue. This study aimed to identify predictors of ART initiation among newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients in Adama town. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, with 396 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. This study used a survival analysis approach, including Kaplan-Meier plots, the log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULT: The incidence rate was 152 per 1000 person-days for early initiation after HIV positive confirmed. In the adjusted model, gender, VCT test, disclosure status, having children in the home, opportunistic infections, and HIV/TB co-infections were significantly associated with time to ART initiation. CONCLUSION: To enhance early ART initiation, healthcare programs should prioritize support for women patients, promote HIV serostatus disclosure, and improve access to VCT testing. Targeted interventions for those with comorbidities and support for families with children are also essential.

Source: AIDS Research and Therapy

DOI: 10.1186/s12981-025-00703-1

Authors: Yobsan Girma, Ephrem Mannekulih, Hunde Lemi, Tesfaye Getachew Charkos

Institution: Adama Hospital Medical College

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990