Australian HIV Observational Database

The Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) collects observational data on patient demographics, antiretroviral and prophylactic treatments, CD4 counts, HIV viral load and AIDS defining illnesses from patients with HIV attending general practitioner sites, sexual health clinics and hospital sites throughout Australia.

Currently 27 sites throughout Australia participate in AHOD with a total of 2329 enrolled patients who have contributed on average 3 years of follow-up data. The study has been ongoing since 1999 and is expected to continue for at least a further 2 years. Particular efforts have been made to include medium to small HIV-caseload sites from non-metropolitan areas.

The data collected for AHOD takes place every six months. Data are contributed to AHOD in electronic form from computerised patient management systems in March and September each year in agreed standardised formats. Data are merged, collated and summarised on the behalf of contributing sites at the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR), UNSW, Sydney.

The data collection includes patient demographics, HIV disease stage (CD4 t-cell counts, HIV viral load and AIDS defining illness), as well as antiretroviral and prophylactic treatment.

A major objective of AHOD is to act as a surveillance tool, monitoring trends in antiretroviral treatment use among patients with HIV in Australia. Summary reports of trends in antiretroviral treatment use are published on a six-monthly basis, and widely circulated in Australia (reports can be downloaded from the links below). Summary data are also contributed to the Australian Annual Surveillance Report.

Initial start up funding for AHOD has been provided by The Australian National Council on AIDS, Hepatitis C and Related Diseases. The NCHECR is funded by the Australian Government of Health and Ageing and is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales.

Contact information:

Study Coordinator: Kathleen Glenday

Principal Investigator: Matthew Law