Prevalence of early hospital readmissions in a reference unit for the treatment of people living with HIV located in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Introduction: The 30-day readmission rate after discharge has been used to indicate healthcare quality. However, precise data on this indicator are still scarce in Brazil, especially among people living with HIV. Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe the rate of early hospital readmissions in people living with HIV and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of readmitted patients and to identify the factors associated with readmissions. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted with patients admitted between August 2016 and August 2018 in a university hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and laboratory data, social indicators, use of illicit drugs, and adherence to antiretroviral treatment were evaluated. Participants were monitored for hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge from the index hospitalization. Results: A total of 71 patients were included. There was a predominance of men aged between 30 and 60 years, with low socioeconomic and educational levels, inadequate control of HIV infection, and frequent use of psychoactive substances. The 30-day readmission rate found was 22%. Gastrointestinal diseases were the most frequent in index hospitalizations and early readmissions. Conclusion: The early readmission rate in people living with HIV was 22%. Gastrointestinal diseases were the most prevalent in the index of hospitalization and early readmissions. Most of the patients admitted and readmitted are middle-aged men with a low level of education, low insertion in the labor market, a considerable rate of psychoactive substance use, and living in conditions of social vulnerability.