Young Men without Children Most Likely to Quit HIV Treatment

HIV treatments can prove extremely important in curbing the growth and spread of the virus. Yet a recent study shows that younger men without children, in particular, are more likely to drop out of HIV care in South Africa.

For their study, researchers analyzed data that had been collected via previous findings and followed 380 HIV positive people who were eligible for the treatments in a rural part of South Africa over a period of four years. They said they hoped to better understand factors that may increase the risk of individuals dropping out of their treatments.

"There is a pressing need to engage young people, and men, in long-term care. Medication for HIV is only given to those who are most unwell and they need to attend clinics regularly. Failing to attend is a problem for both the health of these individuals and for the health of others whom they may put at risk of HIV infection," said study author Dr. Michael Evangeli of the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, via a press release. "We need to improve our understanding of retention in care in future studies. Ultimately strategies must be put in place to help people remain in care and get the treatment they so desperately need to help slow down the spread of HIV and save as many lives as possible."

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More information regarding the study can be found via the journal PLOS ONE.