Open AccessTreatment outcomes among HIV-positive orphaned and non-orphaned children on antiretroviral therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa
Author(s) -
Cheryl Hendrickson,
Denise Evans,
Alana T. Brennan,
Sharon Patz,
Sanlie Untiedt,
Jean Bassett,
Leon Levin,
Ian Sanne,
Matthew P. Fox
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
samj. south african medical journal/south african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.527
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 2078-5135
pISSN - 0256-9574
DOI - 10.7196/samj.2019.v109i9.13462
Subject(s) - medicine , antiretroviral therapy , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , antiretroviral treatment , pediatrics , family medicine , viral load
Limited research investigating treatment outcomes for HIV-positive orphans compared with non-orphans has shown mixed results, with several studies indicating that HIV-positive orphans are at greater risk of delayed access to HIV care and poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, while other data suggest that ART outcomes of orphans can be similar to those of non-orphans. Understanding the impact of orphan status on short-term ART outcomes could improve targeted intervention strategies, and subsequent long-term treatment and developmental outcomes, for HIV-positive infants, children and adolescents.