Abstract
The relationship between immune status and employment outcomes in HIV-infected patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa and their HIV-affected households is not well understood. We assessed the relationship between CD4+ T-cell counts of ART-treated adults at public-sector clinics in Lusaka, Zambia (median treatment duration 973 days) and labour force participation in the HIV-affected households using clinical and survey data. In multivariable models, patients with a CD4+ count >350 cells/µl were 22 percentage
points more likely to be engaged in labour (95% CI: 0.02, 0.42) and worked approximately 6 more days per month compared to patients with a CD4+ count <350 cells/µl. A similar relationship between patient CD4+ count and labour participation was observed for other adult family members in the HIV-affected household, but it was not statistically significant. These findings suggest interventions that promote and maintain robust immune recovery on ART may confer economic benefits.
points more likely to be engaged in labour (95% CI: 0.02, 0.42) and worked approximately 6 more days per month compared to patients with a CD4+ count <350 cells/µl. A similar relationship between patient CD4+ count and labour participation was observed for other adult family members in the HIV-affected household, but it was not statistically significant. These findings suggest interventions that promote and maintain robust immune recovery on ART may confer economic benefits.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Maastricht |
Publisher | UNU-MERIT |
Number of pages | 24 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Publication series
Series | UNU-MERIT Working Papers |
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Number | 018 |