Mortality and associated factors among PLHIV admitted in selected hospitals in Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still a significant global public health concern. Mortality among people living with HIV remains high, predominantly in resource-limited settings. Despite significant progress in HIV care and treatment services, there is limited evidence on mortality among people living with HIV in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of mortality and its associated factors among people living with HIV admitted to selected hospitals in Ethiopia. METHOD: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,077 PLHIV admitted to thirty-seven selected hospitals in Ethiopia. Data were collected from patient charts and registration books for the follow-up period between January 2016 and December 2023; cleaned and analyzed by STATA version 17. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. The association was measured by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 10,077 PLHIV were included in this study. The mean age (± SD) was 36.9 ± 13.9 years and 60.28% were females. The magnitude of mortality among PLHIV was 13.2% (95% CI:12.5%-13.9%). Being male (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI:1.14-1.45), aged 45-54 years (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI:1.01-1.52), aged 55 years or older (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.11-1.77), presence of opportunistic infections (OIs) at admission (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI:1.99-2.56), presence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other comorbidities at admission (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI:1.40-1.81), and inactive ART status at admission (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI:1.12-1.45) were predictors of mortality in this study. CONCLUSION: One in nearly eight admitted PLHIV die during hospitalization which is driven by male gender, older age, the presence of OIs, NCDs and inactive ART status at admission. Strengthening the health system with gender-specific interventions and routine screening for co-morbidities and OIs is essential. Moreover, further studies using prospective design are recommended. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.