Understanding Drivers of Loss to Follow‐Up in HIV Care in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Grounded Theory
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Oromia Health Bureau
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), loss to follow‐up (LTFU) remains a critical challenge in HIV care, particularly in low‐resource settings like Ethiopia. LTFU contributes to increased morbidity and mortality rates, heightened transmission risks, and treatment failure. While individual and clinical factors have been widely studied, structural drivers of LTFU are less understood. Hence, this study aimed to understand the structural factors driving LTFU in HIV care
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The findings underscore the critical role of structural factors in shaping retention in HIV care in Oromia.Addressing these barriers may benefit from a multi‐faceted approach, including strengthening health systems, improving referral and tracing mechanisms, reducing stigma, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. These insights provide a foundation for targeted interventions to reduce LTFU and improve HIV care outcomes in the region.