Treatment abandonment among patients with HIV infection in a reference center in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory-related factors associated with the abandonment of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the clinical and laboratory follow-up data of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This retrospective case-control study was conducted in the Reference Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases AIDS of Campinas-SP, from 2010 to 2015, with 50 cases of treatment abandonment and 66 cases with treatment and regular follow-ups. After univariate analysis, the multiple logistic regression model was adjusted using the cases, controls and covariables of interest. Being black/brownskinned, unemployed and heterosexual, and having a smoking habit were associated with abandonment, while a higher level of education and the presence of a multi-professional healthcare team predicted adherence to ART and follow-up. Hence, ART abandonment and follow-up are associated with unfavorable socioeconomic indicators and not with the integral care to patients. Our results may help in the identification of patients at a risk of abandoning treatment and follow-up, and formulation of prevention strategies for the same.