Persistent advanced HIV disease in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Trends, characteristics, and the urgent need for targeted interventions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advanced HIV disease (AHD) remains a persistent public health challenge. Data regarding the burden, characteristics and predictors of AHD is scarce specifically for rural settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to describe trends in annual CD4 count distribution and to characterise adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) on ART who have AHD in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective cohort design of annual CD4 count distribution was conducted among antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients aged 18 years and older. We used routinely collected data from adults receiving ART in Eshowe and Mbongolwane areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2021. Fine-Greys competing risks regression with proportional sub-distri

SUBMITTER: Kitenge MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11835316 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature