Missed Clinical Care for HIV Patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Strategic Insights -

A new study has identified significant challenges faced by patients living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in missed clinical care and impacting their health outcomes. The research, conducted by Georgia Southern University, analyzed data from 5338 adults living with HIV who received antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga provinces between July 2018 and June 2019. The study found that six percent of PLHIV experienced at least one missed visit, while 94% did not miss any visits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study comprised 5338 adults living with HIV who received ART for 12 months in Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Six percent of PLHIV experienced at least one missed visit, while 94% did not miss any visits.
  • PLHIV receiving ART from urban clinics showed significantly higher odds of missed visits compared to those from rural areas (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI [1.84-9.511]; p < 0.05).
  • The study found a significant association between certain demographic factors, such as age and rurality-urbanicity, and missed visits.
  • A small proportion (20%) of PLHIV had a viral load above 1000 copies/mL.
  • The study suggests that interventions targeting PLHIV at higher risk of missed visits are necessary to improve health outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 5338 adults living with HIV participated in the study.
  • 6% of PLHIV experienced at least one missed visit.
  • 94% of PLHIV did not miss any visits.
  • 20% of PLHIV had a viral load above 1000 copies/mL.
  • The study found a significant association between poor health outcomes and missed clinical care (p < 0.05).
  • The odds ratio (AOR) for missed visits among PLHIV receiving ART from urban clinics was 4.18 (95% CI [1.84-9.511]; p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Predicting Missed Clinic Visits among Patients Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Treatment in Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Healthcare, 2024,12(13). (Healthcare - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare)
  • Osaremhen Ikhile, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, United States.