Predictors of accessing antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive drug users in China's National Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programme

AimsThe objective of this study was to examine factors that predict antiretroviral therapy (ART) access among eligible, HIV-positive methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients. We also tested the hypothesis that sustained MMT participation increases the likelihood of accessing ART. DesignA nation-wide cohort study conducted from 1 March 2004 to 31 December 2011. SettingMMT clients were followed from the time of their enrolment in China's national MMT programme until their death or the study end date. ParticipantsOur cohort comprised 7111 ART-eligible, HIV-positive MMT clients, 49.2% of whom remained ART-naive and 50.8% of whom received ART. MeasurementsDemographic variables, drug use history, MMT programme participation and HIV-related clinical characteristics of study participants who remained naive to ART and those who accessed ART were compared by univariate and multivariable analysis. FindingsPredictors of accessing ART among this cohort included being retained in MMT at the time of first meeting ART eligibility [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.84, confidence interval (CI)=1.54-2.21, P<0.001] compared to meeting ART eligibility before entering MMT (AOR=0.98, CI=0.80-1.21, P=0.849) or previously entering MMT and dropping out before meeting ART eligibility. Additional predictors were CD4 200 cells/l when ART-eligibility requirement was first met (AOR=1.81, CI=1.61-2.05, P<0.001 compared to CD4=201-350 cells/l), and being in a stable partner relationship (married/cohabitating: AOR=1.14, CI=1.01-1.28, P=0.030). ConclusionsRetained participation in methadone maintenance treatment increases the likelihood that eligible clients will access antiretroviral therapy. These results highlight the potential benefit of colocalization of methadone maintenance treatment and antiretroviral therapy services in a one-stop-shop' model.