Impact of orphan status on HIV treatment outcomes and retention in care of children and adolescents in Asia
Abstract
An analysis of the impact of orphanhood at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on HIV outcomes in Asia included 4300 children; 51% were male. At ART initiation, 1805 (42%) were non-orphans (median age: 3 years), 1437 (33%) were single orphans (6 years) and 1058 (25%) were double orphans (7 years). Ten-year post-ART survival was 93.4–95.2% across orphan categories. Clinic transfers were higher among single and double orphans than non-orphans (41% vs 11%, P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, children ≥3 years at ART initiation (hazard ratio 1.58 vs <3 years, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–2.24) were more likely to be lost to follow-up. Although post-ART mortality and retention did not differ by orphan status, orphans were at greater risk of starting ART at older ages, and with more severe immunosuppression and poorer growth.
Categories: Health
Other articles
The impact of the declining extended family support system on the education of orphans in Lesotho
This paper examines the impact of the weakening of the extended family on the education of double orphans in Lesotho through…
Read moreAre orphans at increased risk of malnutrition in Malawi?
The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional status and health problems of village orphans, non-orphans and…
Read moreNeglect and perceived stigmatization impact psychological distress of orphans in Tanzania
Background: Research has shown that orphans in sub-Saharan Africa are at increased risk for mental health problems. Exposure…
Read moreDoes the human capital discourse promote or hinder the right to education? The case of girls, orphans and vulnerable children in Rwanda
This paper studies the implications of considering education as a human right and examining it through the lens of the human…
Read more