Rate and predictors of loss to follow-up in HIV care in a low-resource setting: analyzing critical risk periods
Published in Biomedical Research
Why Do Some People Stop HIV Treatment? Understanding the Key Moments
In the global fight against HIV, keeping people engaged in their treatment is crucial. Even though many countries aim to meet ambitious HIV care goals by 2030, a significant challenge remains: helping those who start HIV treatment continue their care and keep their virus under control. A big part of this challenge is what’s known as "loss to follow-up" (LTFU).
What is Loss to Follow-Up (LTFU)?
LTFU happens when someone on HIV treatment misses their medical appointments or stops taking their medication for over 28 days. This is a serious issue, as it can lead to poorer health, increased risk of death, and a higher chance of spreading HIV to others because the virus isn’t being suppressed.
When Do People Stop Treatment?
This study looked at 737 adults who were new to HIV care and identified the times when they were most likely to stop their treatment:
- The First 6 Months Are Critical: About 50% of the people who dropped out of care did so within the first six months. This early period is a high-risk time, with an LTFU rate nine times higher than later periods (13-24 months). People might face challenges like dealing with side effects, struggling to adjust to a new routine, or not yet seeing the benefits of the medication.
- 7-12 Months: A Continued Risk: Even though the risk of dropping out decreases after the first six months, many people still struggle to stick with their treatment during months 7-12. About 30% of those who stopped care did so during this time. Factors like financial difficulties, stigma, or transportation issues can continue to affect them.
- After 12 Months: A More Stable Phase: After a year on treatment, the dropout rate drops significantly. By this time, many patients have adjusted to their routine, seen improvements in their health, and are more committed to their treatment.
What Can We Do About It?
The findings suggest that the first six months of HIV treatment are a make-or-break time. Health programs should focus on providing extra support during this period, such as helping patients manage side effects and offering counseling. Continued support is also important in the following months to help people overcome challenges that might come up later.
Follow the Topic
-
BMC Infectious Diseases
This journal is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of the prevention, diagnosis and management of infectious and sexually transmitted diseases in humans, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
Related Collections
With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Infectious disease management in infants and children
BMC Infectious Diseases invites submissions for a Collection on Infectious diseases in infants and children.
Infectious diseases in infants and children represent a significant burden on healthcare systems globally, often leading to serious complications, long-term health issues, and even mortality. This Collection aims to explore the diverse range of infectious diseases that specifically affect the pediatric population, including but not limited to respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and vaccine-preventable diseases. Understanding the unique immune responses and vulnerabilities of young children is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies tailored to their needs.
The continued research into pediatric infectious diseases is vital for several reasons. Advances in immunization have significantly reduced the incidence of many vaccine-preventable diseases; however, challenges remain, particularly with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the resurgence of certain infections. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of infection control measures in childcare, preschool, and school settings and highlighted the need for ongoing surveillance of childhood diseases. This area of research promises to contribute to improved health outcomes for infants and children worldwide.
With sustained research efforts, we can anticipate significant advances in the future, including the development of novel vaccines, improved diagnostics, and tailored treatment protocols. Continued exploration of the epidemiology of childhood diseases will further enhance our understanding of transmission dynamics and inform public health interventions.
We invite pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health professionals, immunologists, epidemiologists, and researchers in related fields to contribute original research articles on topics including but not limited to:
- Pediatric infectious diseases and their management
- Early childhood immunity and its implications
- Epidemiology of respiratory infections in children
- Antimicrobial resistance trends in pediatric settings
- Infection control in childcare, preschool, and school settings
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
Tuberculosis immunology and infection
BMC Infectious Diseases invites submissions for a Collection on Tuberculosis immunology and infection.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with millions affected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis each year. The interplay between the bacterium and the host's immune response is complex, involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine the outcome of infection. Understanding the immunological aspects of TB is crucial for developing effective diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. This Collection aims to explore the latest research on TB immunology, pathogenesis, and infection dynamics, shedding light on both latent and active TB states.
The significance of this research lies in its potential to inform public health strategies and interventions. Recent advances in immunological research and vaccine development have demonstrated promising avenues for tackling TB, including novel biomarkers for diagnosis and innovative vaccine candidates. Furthermore, the integration of genomic and proteomic technologies has provided deeper insights into the host-pathogen interactions, paving the way for more effective treatments and preventive measures. Continued focus on TB immunology will be vital in the global fight against this disease.
As research progresses, we anticipate breakthroughs that could transform TB management, including personalized vaccine strategies and targeted immunotherapies. The continued exploration of the immune response to TB may also yield critical insights into preventing reactivation of latent infections, ultimately contributing to the goal of TB eradication.
- Immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Pathogenesis of latent and active TB
- Advances in TB vaccine development
- Novel diagnostic approaches for TB
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Mar 31, 2026
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in