Experiences and Preferences in Zambia and South Africa for Delivery of HIV Treatment During a Client's First Six Months: Results of the PREFER Study's Cross-Sectional Baseline Survey.

ABSTRACT: Disengagement from antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highest in the early treatment period (≤ 6 months after initiation/re-initiation), but low intensity models designed to increase retention generally exclude these clients. We describe client preferences for HIV service delivery in the early treatment period. From 9/2022 to 6/2023, we surveyed adult clients who were initiating or on ART for ≤ 6 months at primary health facilities in South Africa and Zambia. We collected data on experiences with and preferences for HIV treatment. We enrolled 1,098 participants in South Africa (72% female, median age 33) and 771 in Zambia (67% female, median age 32), 38% and 34% of whom were initiating/re-initiating ART in each country, respectively. While clients expressed varied preferences, most participan

SUBMITTER: Mutanda N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12075270 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature