Rate of and Risk Factors for Loss to Follow Up in HIV-Infected Patients in Korea: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
Hye Seong, Yunsu Choi, Minjeong Kim, Jung Ho Kim, Joon Young Song, Shin‐Woo Kim, Sang-Il Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Dae Won Park, Boyoung Park, Bo Youl Choi, Jun Yong Choi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Owing to antiretroviral therapy (ART), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality has significantly decreased. Retaining in care is an essential step for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care cascade. This study investigated the incidence of and risk factors for loss to follow-up (LTFU) in Korean people living with HIV (PLWH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Korea HIV/AIDS cohort study (including prospective interval cohort and retrospective clinical cohort) were analyzed. LTFU was defined as not visiting the clinic for more than 1 year. Risk factors for LTFU were identified using the Cox regression hazard model. RESULTS: <0.0001) were associated with high rate of retention in care. The viral load at ART initiation ≥1,000,001 (HR = 1.545, 95% CI: 1.126 - 2.121, ≤10,000: reference) was associated with a higher rate of LTFU. CONCLUSION: Young and male PLWH may have a higher rate of LTFU, and an increased rate of LTFU may induce virologic failure.