Abstract
Patient-nominated supporters can potentially improve the continuum of HIV care. We retrospectively determined factors associated with having a patient-nominated supporter among people living with HIV (PLWH), and its association with retention in care and viral suppression. We analysed registries of adults evaluated by social workers (n = 1345) at a referral hospital in Peru between 2011–2014. Nondisclosure of HIV status was associated with lacking supporters (aPR: 5.41, 95% CI: 3.83–7.64). Retention in care was 76.4% and 34.2% after one and two years of enrolment, respectively. PLWH with supporters were more likely to be retained in care after two years (aRR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.81), but not after one year (aRR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.98–1.23) compared to PLWH without supporters. Having supporters who were parents or friends was associated with an increased probability of being retained in care after one and two years of enrolment. Viral suppression after one year of enrolment was 58.7%. Having a supporter was not associated with viral suppression (aRR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.99–1.41), but PLWH with supporters were more likely to have viral load measurements (p = 0.005). Patient-nominated supporters appear beneficial for engagement in HIV care; these benefits may be related to the nature of their relationship with PLWH.
Highlights
People living with HIV (PLWH) can thrive through combined antiretroviral treatment (ART) and engagement with multidisciplinary care [1]
In this cohort study we found that most PLWH nominate their family members, partners, and friends as supporters in HIV care; and that nondisclosure of HIV status to family is associated with not having a supporter
Our findings show that supporters were nominated within social networks that were aware of the patient’s status, as PLWH who had not disclosed their status to their families identified supporters among their friends or partners
Summary
People living with HIV (PLWH) can thrive through combined antiretroviral treatment (ART) and engagement with multidisciplinary care [1]. Poor adherence to treatment and clinical appointments results in disease progression, detectable viral load, increased transmission to others, and death [1,2,3]. To manifest the individual and public health benefits of HIV treatment, health systems should actively aim to improve retention in care [4]. Supporters and engagement in HIV care in Peru
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
