Predictors of disengagement from care—multivariable logistic regression^a (n = 136).

<p>Predictors of disengagement from care—multivariable logistic regression<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0189820#t005fn001" target="_blank">^a</a> (n = 136).</p

Depression and alcohol use disorder at antiretroviral therapy initiation led to disengagement from care in South Africa

<div><p>We sought to assess mental health at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and subsequent retention in care over a six-month follow-up period. A total of 136 people living with HIV in South Africa were administered surveys measuring demographic information and mental health indicators at the time of ART initiation. Follow-up was completed via chart abstraction to assess for six-month outcomes of retention in care and viral suppression. At enrollment, 45/136 (33%), 67/136 (49%), and 45/136 (33%) participants screened positive for depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder, respectively. After six months of follow-up, 96/136 (71%) participants remained in care; 35/87 (40.2%) participants who remained in care had a level <50 copies/mL. Those with depression (49% vs. 77% retained; p < 0.01) and those with alcohol use disorder (52% vs. 76% retained; p < 0.01) were less likely to be retained in care. In multivariable logistic regression, depression OR 3.46 (95% CI: 1.33, 7.97; p < 0.01) and alcohol abuse OR 3.89 (95% CI: 1.70, 8.97; p < 0.01) were independently associated with loss from care. These results emphasize the importance of mental health on early ART outcomes and the HIV care continuum.</p></div

Participant characteristics at time of ART initiation.

<p>Participant characteristics at time of ART initiation.</p