1.Survival Time and Prognostic Factors of Mortality among Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in North-East Peninsular Malaysia
Hamiza Ngah ; Suhaily Mohd Hairon ; Najib Majdi Yaacob ; Haniah Yusoff
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2019;26(4):70-78
Background: Death resulting from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a
worldwide concern. This study is aimed at determining the overall median survival time, and the
prognostic factors of mortality among AIDS-infected patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia.
Methods: In 2018, a retrospective cohort study stretching from January to April was
conducted. This study involved a review of data obtained from the National AIDS Registry. A total
of 1,073 AIDS cases diagnosed from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 were selected, and followup
procedures were conducted until 31 March 2015 (a 3-month follow-up). The Kaplan-Meier plot
and Cox’s proportional hazard regression were used for data analyses.
Results: 564 (52.5%) patients died due to AIDS, while the remaining 509 (47.4%)
were censored. The overall median survival time was 11 months. The probability of survival in
1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year periods were 49.1%, 47.8%, 47.3%, 47.0% and 46.7%,
respectively. Multiple Cox regression revealed that the significant prognostic factors were age 30–
49 years [adjusted hazard ratio (Adj. HR) 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.16; P = 0.006], male (Adj. HR 1.39;
95% CI: 1.07, 1.79; P = 0.012), unemployed (Adj. HR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75; P = 0.003) and HIV-TB
co-infection (Adj. HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.31; P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The overall median survival time among AIDS patients in North-East
Peninsular Malaysia was revealed to be short, in comparison to the other studies. The chances for
survival can be improved with more emphasis on early detection (to ensure early treatment) and
social support, particularly for HIV-TB co-infected patients, as well as for younger and unemployed
patients.