title: HIV infection in refugees: a case-control analysis of refugees in Rhode Island.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The number of HIV-infected refugees entering the USA is increasing. There is little data describing the HIV-infected refugee population and the challenges encountered when caring for them. We performed a retrospective case-control analysis of HIV-infected refugees in order to characterize their co-morbidities, baseline HIV characteristics, and longitudinal care compared to HIV-infected non-refugees.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed of HIV-infected refugees and non-refugees who were matched for gender, age, and time of establishment of initial HIV care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The refugee population studied was largely from West Africa. Refugees were more likely than non-refugees to have heterosexual risk for HIV infection, latent tuberculosis infection, and active hepatitis B. Refugees were less likely than non-refugees to have a history of substance use, start antiretrovirals, and be enrolled in a clinical study. The baseline CD4 counts and HIV plasma viral loads were similar between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians caring for West African HIV-infected refugees should be knowledgeable about likely co-morbidities and the impact of cultural differences on HIV care. Further studies are needed to develop culturally competent HIV treatment, education, and prevention programs for refugees who are beginning a new life in the USA.
authors.affiliation: The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. CBeckwith@Lifespan.org
authors.forename: Curt G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Beckwith
authors.forename: Allison K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: DeLong
authors.forename: Simon F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Desjardins
authors.forename: Fizza
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gillani
authors.forename: Lauri
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bazerman
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Mitty
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cu-Uvin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000354:Africa, Western; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012036:Refugees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012237:Rhode Island / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral
references.citation: Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Apr 1;44(7):981-7
references.pmid: 17342654
references.citation: AIDS Behav. 2006 May;10(3):319-23
references.pmid: 16479412
references.citation: Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Sep 15;39(6):833-41
references.pmid: 15472816
references.citation: Disasters. 2003 Mar;27(1):1-15
references.pmid: 12703149
references.citation: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2003 Oct 1;34(2):251-4
references.pmid: 14526220
references.citation: AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2007 May;21(5):356-65
references.pmid: 17518528
references.citation: HIV Med. 2003 Jul;4(3):302-4
references.pmid: 12859331
references.citation: Med Clin North Am. 1999 Jul;83(4):1103-20, viii
references.pmid: 10453265