Factors associated with retention in HIV care at Sediba Hope Medical Centre
dc.contributor.author | Ramdas, Nishana | |
dc.contributor.author | Meyer, Johanna Catharina | |
dc.contributor.author | Cameron, David A. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2015-09-18T08:38:03Z | |
dc.date.available | 2015-09-18T08:38:03Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2015-07-01 | |
dc.description.abstract | BACKGROUND : Lost to follow-up (LTFU) is a major challenge that hinders the success of antiretroviral treatment (ART). OBJECTIVE : To identify factors conducted to a low LTFU rate. METHODS : We conducted a two-part descriptive and quantitative study. Part 1 comprised interviews with clinic staff to determine their perspectives on LTFU and to establish the clinic’s follow-up procedures for patients on ART. Part 2 of the study was a retrospective review of clinic and patient records. LTFU patients were identified and those with contact details were contacted for telephonic interview to determine if they were still on ART and/or their reasons for becoming LTFU. RESULTS : A low LTFU rate (7.9%; N = 683) was identified. Work-related stress, and lack of transport and funds were reported reasons for LTFU. Monthly visits, non-adherent defaulters and LTFU patients were tracked by an electronic system (SOZO). Factors contributing to high rates of retention in care were: location of the clinic in the inner city, thus in close proximity to patients’ homes or work; clinic operating on Saturdays, which was convenient for patients who could not attend during the week; an appointment/booking system that was in place and strictly adhered to; a reminder SMS being sent out the day before an appointment; individual counselling sessions at each visit and referrals where necessary; and a stable staff complement and support group at the clinic. CONCLUSION : Achieving a low LTFU rate is possible by having a patient-centred approach and monitoring systems in place. | en_ZA |
dc.description.librarian | am2015 | en_ZA |
dc.description.uri | http://www.sajhivmed.org.za/ | en_ZA |
dc.identifier.citation | Ramdas N, Meyer JC, Cameron D. Factors associated with retention in HIV care at Sediba Hope Medical Centre. S Afr J HIV Med. 2015;16(1), Art. #347, 6 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/sajhivmed.v16i1.347. | en_ZA |
dc.identifier.issn | 1608-9693 (print) | |
dc.identifier.issn | 2078-6751 (online) | |
dc.identifier.other | 10.4102/sajhivmed.v16i1.347 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/49974 | |
dc.language.iso | en | en_ZA |
dc.publisher | Health and Medical Publishing Group | en_ZA |
dc.rights | © 2015. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License. | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Antiretroviral therapy (ART) | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Patients | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Clinic | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Support group | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Lost to follow-up (LTFU) | en_ZA |
dc.subject.other | Health sciences articles SDG-03 | |
dc.subject.other | SDG-03: Good health and well-being | |
dc.title | Factors associated with retention in HIV care at Sediba Hope Medical Centre | en_ZA |
dc.type | Article | en_ZA |