Magnitude and causes of loss to follow-up among patients with viral hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Non-adherence with recommended follow-up visits is a major barrier for completing treatment of viral hepatitis and is consequently associated with unfavorable outcomes of health services.

Objectives: To estimate the magnitude and identify perceived reasons and patient characteristics associated with loss to follow-up in a tertiary care setting.

Methods: A two-step cross-sectional study design was used, including a chart review (2011) followed by phone survey (2012).