Outcomes of HIV Positive Children and Adolescents Initiated on Antiretroviral Treatment in Nigeria (2007-2016)

Abstract

Background: This manuscript aimed to examine treatment outcomes of HIV-positive children and adolescents. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of a sample of patients aged 0–19 years who initiated ART (October 2007–September 2016) in participating sites in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. Results: Among 4006 patients alive at the end of the follow up period, 138 (3.4%) were LTFU. Adolescents had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU than children aged 3–5 years (HR 2.47 [95% CI 1.40-4.34]). Patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU (Stage IV HR, 3.66 [95% CI: 2.00-6.68]). On average, optimal ART refill adherence was met by 67.3% of patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that focusing on preventing and managing advanced disease and interventions supporting adolescents when transferring to adult care is warranted.

Social and Psychological Complexity Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Targeted Treatment Health Facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria – A Qualitative Study

“…Nigerian adolescents have had their fair share of HIV incidences and management, according to the NAIIS 2018 report, the incidence of HIV infection among older adolescents (aged 15-19 years) and young adults (aged 20-24 years) was estimated to be 0.04% while the HIV prevalence was 0.2% among older adolescents (aged 15-19 years) (0.3% in women and 0.1% in men) [4]. In 2020, 140,000 adolescents and 97,000 children in Nigeria lived with HIV; per 1,000 uninfected individuals, the HIV incidence rate among children aged up to 14 years was 0.65 [5]. In 2020, Nigeria recorded the highest rate of children infected with HIV through vertical transmission worldwide [6].…”