Frequency and associated factors with loss-to-follow-up among people living with HIV followed-up in Parakou, Benin from 2018 to 2022

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. One of the main strategies to overcome this infection is proper patient follow-up. This study focused on loss to follow-up among people living with HIV (PLHIV).Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytic study. Patients living with HIV of both sexes, over 18 years old, on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, followed-up from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2022 in Parakou were included in this study. The dependent variable was loss to follow-up. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7.2 software. A p-value less than 5% was considered statically significant.Results: The study sample consisted of 2,652 PLHIV. The mean age (±SD) was 32.48 ±9.40 years. A female predominance was observed with a sex ratio of 0.53. Among PLHIV of the sample 293 (11.04%) were lost to follow-up. Associated factors with loss to follow-up in multivariate analysis were male gender, age <30 years, monthly income <172.31 USD, being uneducated and a CD4 count ≥350/mm3.Conclusions: Approximately one in 10 PLHIV was lost to follow-up. Strengthening pre-treatment education and addressing contributing factors are essential in reducing the frequency of loss to follow-up.