Continuation with cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for the prevention of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected persons in rural Zimbabwe: feasibility, obstacles and opportunities

We examined the outcomes of a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended programme offering cotrimoxazole (CTM) prophylaxis to 908 HIV-positive individuals in rural Zimbabwe, who accepted enrolment in the treatment programme. Outcomes included duration in programme, time between visits, relationship and marital status. Mean duration of participation in the programme was 224 days. The mean time between visits decreased from 11.2 weeks, between visit 1 and 2, to 4.3 weeks between visit 11 and 12. Statistical analysis showed significant positive correlations between duration in programme and participant age, participant relationship status and the partner's state of affairs. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between duration in programme and gender. Results indicate that if continuation is demonstrated for the first 4 to 6 months, participants will continue with the CTM programme. Results also reflect the constrained feasibility of CTM prophylaxis in rural Africa as well as the need to target subpopulations, such as young people, patients and their spouses for focused HIV/AIDS education initiatives.