Time to initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected injection drug users.

摘要: Objective: Studies have shown that HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) are less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy than non-drug users. We assess factors associated with initiating highly active (HAART) in IDUs. Methods: A cohort study of IDUs carried out between 1 January 1996 and 30 June 1999 at a community-based clinic affiliated the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. The participants were total 528 eligible for HAART based on CD4+ cell count. main outcome measure was time from treatment eligibility first self-reported use, as defined by International AIDS Society-USA panel (IAS-USA) guidelines. Results: By 1999, 58.5% had initiated HAART, most whom switched mono- or dual-combination regimen. Nearly one-third treatment-eligible never received therapy. Cox proportional hazards regression showed independently not injecting drugs, methadone among men, having health insurance regular source care, lower count history Conclusions: Self-reported initiation is steadily increasing who treatment; however, large proportion continues use non-HAART regimens many remain treatment-naive. Although both groups appear care access utilization, without would more options available them once they become engaged HIV care.