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
Transnational Parenting and the Emergence of ‘Diaspora Orphans’ in Zimbabwe
This article explores the emergence of ‘diaspora orphans’ over the course of Zimbabwe’s crisis. The debates over this phenomenon…
Read moreThe dual risk of child sexual abuse and HIV infection facing orphans and other vulnerable children in South Africa
The risks of child sexual abuse (CSA) and HIV infection are interrelated, wherein each can be, and often is, a causal factor…
Read moreAnnotation: Childhood bereavement following parental death
Psychological outcomes in children who have experienced the death of a parent are heterogeneous. One child in five is likely…
Read moreStudy to Assess Physical Health Status of Children at Selected Orphanage in Salem, Chennai – India
Orphanages are a vulnerable group in any socio-economic setting simply because they are deprived of one or both of their…
Read more