Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The incidence of attrition in children on Antiretroviral Therapy is higher in
resource-limited settings when compared to developed countries, and it remains a
critical challenge for HIV treatment success among children on antiretroviral therapy.
The introduction of antiretroviral therapy has led to a significant decline in HIV related
morbidity and mortality. However; this can only achieve if children retained in the
service
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of attrition and identify the
predictors of attrition among children who are on antiretroviral therapy at University of
Gondar comprehensive specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution based retrospective follow up study was conducted among 357
HIV positive children at University of Gondar Comprehensive specialized Hospital from
January 1, 2005 to 30, December 2018 G.C. Simple random sampling technique was
used to select each child on ART. In Cox proportional hazard model was bi-variable
having 0.25 computed to multivariable, and variables having P- value ?0.05 at 95%
confidence interval were considered as statistically significant predictors for the
incidence of attrition
Results: A total of 344 child records with a completeness rate of 96.4% were
reviewed and included in the analysis. Children were followed for different periods of
time
Conclusion and recommendation:
The overall incidence of rate attrition was high. Baseline WHO clinical staging III/IV,
baseline hemoglobin
?10 mg/dl, cotrimoxazole
Attention shall be given to early detection, monitoring, and management of anemia,
advanced WHO clinical stage III and IV, and underweight in HIV positive children to
ensure retention and minimize attrition in ART service.
Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy; Attrition, Children with HIV; Gondar; Predictors
