Abstract
PLHIV have decreased economic productivity both due to direct and indirect causes. Data from developed countries have shown that at the societal level, high costs ART are offset by increased productivity. We hypothesized that post-ART the SES would improve regardless of the baseline SES and will be sustained over time. Our objective was to perform a comprehensive SES evaluation pre/post ART initiation using an ambispective cohort study design. We used Indian household-specific SES validated tool, with score of 76 being affluent, along with clinical, ART adherence data at median of 6 and 18 months post ART, and compared using paired t-tests. Among 140 persons started on ART, with a median follow up of 22 months, 118 had Pre-ART SES data, of these: 57% were women; median age was 38 years; 67% were married; 89 (78%) had heterosexual sex as HIV risk; 40 (34%) had major OI and/or TB at presentation. Reported self-occupation was: skilled labourers 41 (35%); 12 (10%) unskilled labourers; 27 (23%) housewives; 26 (22%) pro-fessionals/blue collar job; 1 student, 10 unemployed. The median pre-post ART CD4 cell counts were: 187 and 454 cells/cumm (P
Highlights
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) pandemic has affected ~36.7 million persons around the world of which 19.5 million people are on treatment with antiviral drugs [1]
We performed an ambispective cohort study, where we retrospectively examined all patients who were initiated on Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) since 2007 and prospectively examined the patients on two occasions with the Socio-Economic Status (SES) tool, a median of 6 to 18 months post ART initiation
Among studies conducted in India, one prior study has shown the improvement in socio-economic status with the use of ART, as measured by time worked and change in income levels, this to our knowledge is the first study which has assessed socio-economic impact of ART alone, using a well-validated tool, which assesses the monthly income, and the fixed and movable assets, in a comprehensive manner over a prolonged post-ART follow up period [19]
Summary
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) pandemic has affected ~36.7 million persons around the world of which 19.5 million people are on treatment with antiviral drugs [1]. Unlike African countries, the macroeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS is not reflected in the national statistics of South East Asian Countries such as India, which is the third highest country in the world with regard to HIV positive population. The burden of healthcare, and decreased productivity have been compounded many times over by the stigma and discrimination among adults and children [9]. In countries such as India, an illness such as HIV/AIDS can be catastrophic to the families and push them to poverty and adversely impact adherence to ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment) [10] [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
