Patient-reported Reasons for Stopping Care or Switching Clinics in Zambia: A Multisite, Regionally Representative Estimate Using a Multistage Sampling-based Approach in Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding patient-reported reasons for lapses of retention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment can drive improvements in the care cascade. A systematic assessment of outcomes among a random sample of patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) from 32 clinics in Zambia to understand the reasons for silent transfers and disengagement from care was undertaken.

Methods

We traced a simple random sample of LTFU patients (>90 days from last scheduled visit) as determined from clinic-based electronic medical records from a probability sample of facilities. Among patients found in person, we solicited reasons for either stopping or switching care and predictors for re-engagement. We coded reasons into structural, psychosocial, and clinic-based barriers.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Sikazwe I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8492131 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature