Aethlon Medical Inc (AEMD)

[ANESRI]

Less then half of the people with HIV Not Receiving Regular Care

Background: Monitoring immunologic and virologic response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected patients is an important component of treatment in the United States. However, little population-based information is available on whether HIV-infected persons receive the recommended tests or continuous care

Results: Among 100,375 persons living with HIV, 45% had >=2 tests at least 3 months apart. A higher percentage of whites was retained in care (50%) compared with blacks/African Americans (41%, PR 0.83, 95% CI 0.82, 0.84) and Hispanics/Latinos (40%, PR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87, 0.92). Compared with heterosexual women (50%), fewer men who have sex with men (48%), heterosexual males (45%), and male (37%) and female (43%) injection-drug users had >=2 tests. About 64% established care within 12 months of diagnosis.

Conclusions: Less than half of persons living with HIV had laboratory evidence of ongoing clinical care and only two-thirds established care after diagnosis. Further assessments determining modifiable barriers to accessing care could assist with achieving public health targets.

Hall, H Irene PhD, MPH; Gray, Kristen Mahle MPH; Tang, Tian; Li, Jianmin DPE; Shouse, Luke MD, MPH; Mermin, Jonathan MD, MPH