International Journal of Health Sciences

Joint Longitudinal and Survival Modeling of HIV in the Upper West Region of Ghana
Abdul Basit Abdul Rahaman, Albert Luguterah, Nurudeen Abdul-Rahaman, Suleman Nasiru, Salma S. Abdul-Rahaman

Abstract
The main aim of this research was to develop a joint longitudinal and survival model for HIV patients in the Upper West Region, Ghana. The study revealed that AZT/3TC/NVP drug regimen contributed better to patients’ survival time and CD4 count growth using Weibull model and linear mixed effects model respectively. The two models further unveiled that factors such as preCD4 count, gender, and duration of treatment (months) significantly determined HIV patient’s CD4 count, whilst drug regimen, age and preCD4 determined the survival of the patient. Results from the joint model of the longitudinal sub-model and survival sub-model indicated a significant association between the repeated CD4 count measurement and survival time of HIV patients.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v6n1a7