Outcome of Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Predictors Among Clients Enrolled to Community Differentiated ART Service Delivery Model in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2024; Multi-Centered Retrospective Follow up Study
Tadewos Kassaw Tarekegn, Hailemarriam Mekonnen, Birhanu Melaku, Addisu Simachew Asgai, Tadios LidetuBackground
Community-based ART service delivery brings HIV care closer to clinically stable clients and may improve outcomes while reducing burdens on patients and health facilities. However, evidence from low income setting remains limited.
Methods
Institution based retrospective follow-up study was conducted from 422 adult ART users selected by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using STATA 15. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression identified predictors of treatment outcomes.
Results
The cumulative incidence of good ART treatment outcome was 81.99% (95% CI: 77.98–85.54%). Median survival time was 11 months (IQR: 5–12). Missing ART doses reduced survival by 54% (AHR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.22–0.95). Good retention in care (AHR=1.58), tuberculosis prophylaxis (AHR=1.38), and adequate drug supply (AHR=1.39) significantly improved survival.
Conclusion
Treatment outcomes were suboptimal. Strengthening retention, tuberculosis prophylaxis, drug supply, and adherence support could improve survival.