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Use of HIV transition clinics low among young patients in Uganda
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Among young adults living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda, there is an overall low level of use of HIV transition clinics, according to recent findings.
Additionally, the study found that infection stage, antiretroviral therapy status and HIV counseling status were key determinants of HIV transition clinic (HTC) utilization among young HIV patients.
In the cross-sectional study, researchers analyzed data on 379 young adults with HIV/AIDS culled from an HTC in Uganda. The patients, aged 15 to 24 years, were registered clients of the HTC.
The analysis involved the classification of HTC use into two levels: regular utilization (showed up for all appointments) and irregular utilization (failed to show up for one or more appointments). This system of classification was used because patients with HIV/AIDS must utilize 100% of all recommended or prescribed services and treatments to achieve optimal health. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants to collect information about demographics, community factors, health care delivery determinants and utilization of HTC appointments and medical services.
The researchers found that of the 379 young adults living with HIV/AIDS, only 32.4% regularly utilized HTC services, and 82% of regular utilizers were female.
HTC services most frequently utilized by young adults with HIV/AIDS tended to be those delivered in the clinic setting by health care professionals, such as clinical examinations (96%), laboratory services (87.1%) and counseling (69.7%). The least utilized HTC services were home visits (5.8%) and peer support services (19.8%).
In multivariable analysis, the researchers found that the main factors influencing HTC utilization were as follows: CD4 count of ≥251 cells/mcL (adjusted OR=0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.95); not being on ART (adjusted OR=0.27; 95% CI, 0.15-0.47); and not receiving counseling services (adjusted OR=0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.83).
Community and sociodemographic factors did not appear to be important determinants of HTC utilization.
“The most significant determinants of HTC utilization found by the current study show that when [young adults with HIV/AIDS] are feeling strong, healthy, and without opportunistic infections, they do not feel the need to attend the HTC regularly,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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