Addico, N.A.2024-05-242024-05-242022-03http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/41939MPHIntroduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic remains one of the greatest public health concerns, with more than 70 million people infected since its discovery and almost 35 million deaths. In HIV management, linkage to care service is key, persons living with HIV must be linked to treatment as soon as possible. Linkage to care is the patient initiation into HIV care after diagnosis, more precisely, the time between the HIV diagnosis date and either the first clinic attendance date, viral load date, first CD4+ count or HIV treatment start date, with early linkage measured within 3 months (90 days). Objectives: This study aims to examine the factors associated with linkage to HIV care service among newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted. A total of 371newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals (HIV positive in the last 12months)wereused for the study and 10 health service providers working at the ART Clinic were interviewed at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. A structured questionnaire using KoBo Toolbox and interviewing guide was used to collect data. The data was entered and analyzed using STATAIC 16. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and thematic analysis were performed. Results: Different factors associated with linkage to HIV care services were identified. Being afraid other people will find out about HIV and believing HIV will be healed through faith were some HIV-related factors identified influencing linkage to HIV care services. Regarding structural factors reported, convenient clinic times and feeling discriminated against were identified to be associated with linkage to HIV care services. About, the knowledge of service providers on factors contributing to low linkage to HIV care services, self-stigma, and difficulty in accepting the condition were important factors reported to influence linkage to HIV care services. Conclusion: Linkage to HIV care services particularly frequency of hospital visitation and length of ART treatment is a vital approach toward appropriate management and treatment of HIV. Interventions and strategies should address issues surrounding stigma, discrimination, financial challenges, mental health, logistics, and human resource to improve the capacity of the ART clinic to ensure quality HIV care services.enHIVCare ServicesGreater Accra RegionalHospitalThesis