Hospitalized HIV-infected patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
We interviewed 1038 HIV-positive inpatients in public hospitals in Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, to examine patient factors associated with use of HIV care, use of antiretroviral therapy, and unprotected sexual intercourse. Multivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression models showed that use of crack cocaine and heavy drinking were associated with never having had an HIV-care provider, high-risk sexual behavior, and not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Inpatient interventions that link and retain HIV-positive persons in primary care services could prevent HIV transmission and unnecessary hospitalizations.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, FL, USA. lmetsch@med.miami.edu
Lisa R
LR
Metsch
Christine
C
Bell
Margaret
M
Pereyra
Gabriel
G
Cardenas
Tanisha
T
Sullivan
Allan
A
Rodriguez
Lauren
L
Gooden
Nayla
N
Khoury
Tamy
T
Kuper
Toye
T
Brewer
Carlos
C
del Rio
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors