Factors associated with the failure of HIV-positive persons to return for scheduled medical visits

PURPOSE: To assess in an HIV-positive cohort the cumulative probability of failing to return for scheduled medical visits and to address the factors associated with follow-up discontinuation. METHOD: This was a hospital-based cohort study conducted from January 1985 through September 1999. Out of 3,300 HIV-1 infected patients, 1,680 patients with CD4 count 50 cells/microL) or patients without AIDS diagnosis. Patients with shorter follow-up had a higher risk of failing to return (odds ratio OR: 0.12, 0.36, 0.45, and 0.74 for >36, 24-36, 12-24, and 6-12 months of follow-up respectively vs. or = 1997, 1995-1996, and 1988-1994 vs. <1988). CONCLUSION: Patients in the IDU category, patients without AIDS diagnosis, or patients with higher CD4 counts are more likely to miss medical appointments and discontinue their follow-up. More recently enrolled patients have a lower risk of failing to return. It is possible that the recent and more effective anti-HIV treatment played a major role in increasing adherence to follow-up.