Disparities in HIV/AIDS Progression among Children A Case of Uganda

Abstract

The chronic nature of HIV/AIDS requires many resources in its management, yet knowledge on the rates of HIV infection transition from one stage to another is scanty. To shed light on this, we used a lifecourse theoretical perspective to appraise the chronological effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the lifecourse of HIV-AIDS progression among children. Methods: A 136 months retrospective follow-up of 59 children aged 0-15 for survival analysis. Results: Children contributed 5,108 person months on HIV infection lifecourse of which 55% is lived with asymptomatic stage. The duration of exposure to HIV infection contributed in each stage decreases with progressive amplification in the infection. Age at initiation of treatment, caregivers, father’s survival and religious affiliation causes disparities in HIV infection progression. Conclusion: To optimize HIV infection survival time, HIV/AIDS care and treatment should strive to maintain HIV infection within asymptomatic levels yet initiating treatment on the earliest time possible