Comparative Survival Analysis of HIV-Infected Patients across Gombe, Borno, and Taraba States, North-Eastern Nigeria<b></b>

HIV remains a major public-health concern in Nigeria, with survival outcomes potentially varying across states because of differences in access to care, treatment adherence, and follow-up services. However, limited evidence exists on comparative HIV/AIDS survival in Borno, Gombe, and Taraba States, North-Eastern Nigeria. This study assessed survival duration among patients with confirmed HIV/AIDS-related deaths across the three states and identified factors associated with earlier mortality. A retrospective study was conducted using health-facility records of 1,423 patients, comprising 461 from Borno, 590 from Gombe, and 372 from Taraba. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were employed to estimate survival, compare survival patterns across states, and assess the effects of age, sex, financial status, residence, religion, and education. Median survival times were 42.8 months in Borno, 42.5 months in Gombe, and 37.1 months in Taraba. Survival differed significantly among the three states (p < 0.001). In Borno, male patients had a significantly higher risk of death than females (p = 0.004). In Gombe, patients with secondary education had a significantly higher risk of death than those with tertiary education (p = 0.010). None of the variables included in the model significantly predicted survival in Taraba. The findings demonstrate substantial differences in HIV/AIDS survival across the three states. State-specific interventions are recommended, including strengthened ART-adherence support in Taraba, targeted support for vulnerable groups, and improved documentation of patient outcomes to enhance HIV care and survival in North-Eastern Nigeria. These measures may help reduce preventable mortality and improve treatment outcomes.