Drivers of disengagement from care during the first six months on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in South Africa: A mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT: For clients on HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, early disengagement from care is a critical obstacle to achieving UNAIDS's second 95 target. While South Africa's Differentiated Service Delivery Guideline on Fast Track Initiation and Counseling (FTIC) defines normative procedures, the impact of implementation and drivers of disengagement remain unclear. The PREFER mixed-methods study enrolled a prospective cohort of adult clients initiating ART, returning to care after disengagement, or on ART for ≤6 months at 18 public healthcare facilities in South Africa. A survey collected demographic, clinical, and preference data. Participants were followed for up to 7 months using routinely collected medical records to estimate continuity of care (attendance at all scheduled visits within 28 days

SUBMITTER: Maskew M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12725671 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature