Predictors of isoniazid preventive therapy completion among adults newly diagnosed with HIV in rural Malawi

Setting To reduce the risk of tuberculosis (TB) among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the World Health Organization recommends at least 6 months of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Completion of IPT remains a major challenge in resource-limited settings. Objective To evaluate predictors of IPT completion in individuals newly diagnosed with HIV. Design Predictors of IPT completion among adults newly diagnosed with HIV in rural Malawi were evaluated using a multilevel logistic regression model. Results Of 974 participants who screened negative for active TB and were started on IPT, 732 (75%) completed treatment. Only one IPT-eligible individual refused treatment. Participants who were aged Conclusion IPT provision at the time of initial HIV diagnosis was highly acceptable in rural Malawi; three quarters of those who initiated IPT successfully completed therapy. We observed lower odds of completion among males and among female participants aged <25 years. Additional efforts may be needed to ensure IPT completion among males and young females who have recently been diagnosed with HIV.