Abstract

Introduction:Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has remarkably improved the survival of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients though it is not sufficient alone to achieve better HIV related clinical outcomes. There are many other modifiable factors that might have an impact on survival of HIV-infected patients. So far, few studies with small sample size have tried to assess the survival experience of HIV positive patients who are on treatment in Ethiopia. This study assessed the determinants of survival among HIV infected persons. Methods:Retrospective cohort study design was used including HIV infected patients, who were enrolled in to Dilla University Hospital HIV/AIDS chronic care unit between September 2005 and September 2013. Data was extracted from Antiretro Viral Therapy (ART) database and clinical charts. Time dependent Cox proportional hazard regression models was fitted to identify factors associated with survival. Data was analyzed using SPSS-windows version 20 and R-software version 3.0.1.Kaplan Meier plots, and log rank tests was used to illustrate survival probability in ART and pre-ART groups. Results:A total of 2579 adult patients with HIV were included in the analysis. Reasons for the exclusion were age (n = 308) and availability of complete data (n = 2579). Of these, 243 patients (9.4%) died giving a crude death rate of 3.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI; 2.6 - 4.2), 1562 (60.6%) censored alive, while total of 774 (30%) were lost to follow up. The 8 years survival probability was significantly different between the groups with and without ART, (P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression model, age, baseline line functional status, baseline weight, baseline World Health Organization Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) staging, Isoniazid prophylactic therapy (IPT), and ART were significantly associated factors with mortality. Conclusion:The study has shown a relatively low mortality rate as compared to other African countries. By identifying those high risk groups during routine clinical care the survival status of the HIV/AIDS patients can be improved.

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