Late HIV diagnosis in Houston/Harris County, Texas, 2000–2007

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors associated with late HIV diagnoses in Houston, Texas using surveillance data. Study subjects were Houston/Harris County residents, 13 years or older, diagnosed with HIV and reported to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services. Late HIV diagnosis was defined as an AIDS diagnosis within three months of an HIV diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between late HIV diagnoses and predictive factors. We found 31% of the study population had late HIV diagnoses. The Hispanic population, men, older individuals, heterosexuals, and those diagnosed in private facilities were more likely to receive late HIV diagnoses. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of time from HIV to AIDS diagnosis on the prevalence of a late diagnosis, and on the predictors of late diagnosis. The sensitivity analysis showed time affects prevalence, but not the odds ratios of the risk factors for late diagnosis. This finding suggests HIV prevention programs should specifically target these populations at risk for late HIV diagnosis to encourage frequent HIV testing.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• late diagnosis
• HIV surveillance
• Houston

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Jerald P. Harms, M.P.H., for his comments on an earlier draft of this paper, Cathy Troisi, Ph.D., for her assistance in technical writing, and Adebowale Awosika-Olumo, M.D., M.P.H., for providing management support. The authors also want to thank the staff of the Houston HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program for collecting HIV/AIDS surveillance data.