Factors associated with initiation of primary medical care for HIV-infected persons☆

摘要: Abstract purpose: To examine the degree of immune dysfunction human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients at time presentation and to identify factors associated with early late initial primary medical care for HIV infection as measured by CD4+ lymphocyte count. methods: Two hundred fifty-one consecutive outpatients without prior were assessed a municipal hospital intake clinic (derivation group). Sociodemographic clinical variables examined their association cell count on in bivariate stepwise linear regression analyses. Variables interest 123 similar second site assess generalizability our findings (validation results: In derivation group. 30% presented counts less than 200/mm 3 , 51% had from 201/mm 500/mm only 19% greater . Twenty-seven percent delayed seeking longer 1 year 12%, more 2 years after an positive serologic evaluation. Three significant independent predictors presentation: Haitian ethnicity ( P = 0.05) HIV-related symptoms 0.005) lower counts; female sex 0.009) was higher counts. With excluded model, history cocaine use also predictor 0.02). validation group, which included few Haitians, results showed association. conclusions: Most HIV-infected advanced dysfunction. A substantial percentage waited over initiate testing HIV. later Women significantly did men. Since characteristics could clearly majority late-presenting patients, improved general targeted efforts are needed link all people before development disease.