Abstract
Methods: From November 2017 to April 2018, researchers conducted an analytical cross-sectional study on 156 HIV patients aged 18 and older that began antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Jinnah & Mayo Hospital, Lahore's HIV clinics. Samples were selected by non-probability convenience sampling and Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors related to early and late Initiation ofART. The p-value ofless than <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Keywords: HIV; AIDS; Early and Late Initiation ofART; HIV patients; PakistanConclusion: The study results highlighted the need to stress upon early treatment ofHIV, giving special attention to how programs, research, policies, strict supervision, and required interventions can provide support in the continuum of HIV care. Background: Despite the availability ofantiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV is still responsible for substantial illness and death, especially in developing countries. Early start oftreatment (ART) is associated with better therapeutic outcome, reduced transmissibility ofHIV, reduction in loss to follow-up, and remarkably reduced death rate.Corresponding Authors |1. Dr. Khunsa Junaid, Department ofCommunity Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore Email: khunsajunaidmir@gmail.com, 2. Dr. Amjad Khan, Department ofPublic Health & Nutrition, The University ofHaripur, Pakistan Email: dramjadkhan77@gmail.comAbstractObjectives: To find out the factors associated with early and late Initiation ofART among patients affected by HIV in Lahore, PakistanResults: Among 156 HIV patients, 62.4% were more than 25 years, while 74.6% were male. The proportion ofpatients who started HIV therapy at an early stage ofdisease was 68.8%, while the delayed start ofHIV therapy was seen in 31.2% study population. Two factors, type ofhousehold income and initial CD4 count (cells/ mm3), were reported to relate to early and late ART initiation.
