Six-Months Retention on Treatment and Attrition Risk Factors among People Living with HIV in Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of non-cash incentives (like free football T-shirts or Kiondos) and psychosocial support on early retention in HIV treatment among newly diagnosed patients in Kibera, Nairobi. Conducted across three health centers, the study found no significant difference in six-month retention between the intervention group (94%) and the control group (91%) (aRR: 1.03; p = 0.24). Overall retention was high at 93%, but attrition was more likely among divorced or single individuals, those with longer travel times to clinics, lower body weight, and those on ART regimens other than TDF/3TC/DTG or TDF/3TC/EFV. The study concludes that while non-cash incentives and psychosocial support alone may not significantly improve early retention, targeted strategies are needed to support vulnerable groups and decentralize ART services to reduce access barriers.

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