Retrospective review of antiretroviral therapy program data in accredited private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration, Ethiopia

Background: Ethiopia is committed to improving access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) service. In May 2005; some private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration received accreditation to provide ART services to eligible patients. Objective: To examine and describe the achievements of the ART Program in accredited private hospitals. Methods: Descriptive retrospective analyses of reported ART Program Data from accredited private hospitals; between May 2005 and 31st December 2009. The aggregate data was obtained from Addis Ababa Regional Health Bureau and consisted of information about patients enrolled for care; those who started ART; and those presently are on ART. Results: During the study period; 10;849 patients were enrolled for care; 9;442 who had just started ART and 5;608 already on it across the study private facilities. In general close to 75of the total patients enrolled for care at five facilities. Although the majority (87) had started treatment in the past; only 59.4were currently on treatment. Overall; the program retained 66.4of the patients (n=6;270) and attrition was 32(n=3;021). Conclusions: Differences in patient enrollment for care; ART initiation and retention were observed across facilities. A significant number of patients discontinued treatment and their outcome status was unclear. A better monitoring and reporting of ART Program Data will improve program quality. An effective strategy is needed to enhance patient retention and tracing in the accredited private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration

Factors affecting acceptance of VCT among different professional and community groups in North and South Gondar Administrative zones, north west Ethiopia

Background: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV allows individuals to determine their HIV status and serve as a gateway for both HIV prevention and early access to treatment, care and support. Identifying factors associated with VCT acceptance among different professional and community groups is essential in promoting the service. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess factors that affect VCT acceptance among different professional and community groups in the north and south Gondar administrative zones of north west Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken among different professional and community groups in north and south Gondar administrative zones using a pre-tested structured questionnaire on a total of 460 respondents from October - December 2004. Results: Four hundred forty people granted interviews from a total of 460 proposed study participants with a response rate of 96%. The mean age of the respondents was 27.79 years. Sixty five percent of the respondents were males and the rest were females. Eighty two percent of the respondents were willing to accept VCT services. The age range from 15-19 years was found to be positively associated with VCT acceptance (p<0.01). Results of the behavioural variables showed the effect of others (friends families, religious leaders, and couples) who were found to have statistically very significant effect towards VCT acceptance (p<0.001). The absence of community support was found to be negatively associated with VCT acceptance (p<0.01). The availability of ART was found to have positive association with acceptance of VCT (p<0.001). Conclusion: Involving closely related people is instrumental in enhancing the social acceptance of voluntary counseling and testing and providing sustainable and reliable VCT services. Increasing access to ART services would also help in further expanding VCT services