The distribution and determinants of hospital readmission among people living with HIV/AIDS in British Columbia, Canada

Unplanned hospital readmissions are costly and common among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, factors associated with readmission remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution and risk factors of 30-day readmission among the population of PLWHA in British Columbia, Canada. A retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data was executed with multivariable logistic regression models to identify risk factors of readmission. Approximately 14 percent of all hospitalizations resulted in 30-day re-hospitalization, 5.5% higher than the readmission rate for the general population in Canada. Four enabling factors (longer length of stay in the index hospital admission, admission via emergency departments, leaving against medical advice, transferring between hospitals); one need factor (latest CD4 count prior to admission) and one predisposing factor (diagnostic category) were associated with an elevated odds of readmission. Policymakers should develop strategies focusing on modifiable risk factors to decrease hospital readmission among PLWHA.