Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Risk Factors for Late Presentation for Care among HIV-Infected Patients in Guadeloupe: 1988-2009

Abstract

Elenga Narcisse, Georger-Sow Marie-Therese and Nacher Mathieu

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with presentation for care with CD4 cell count <200/mm3. Design: A Retrospective monocentric cohort study of the Guadeloupe section of French Hospital Database for HIV was conducted. Methods: Group 1 Cohort (CD4 <200/mm3, n=1076), Group 2 (CD4 200-500, n=973) and Group 3 (CD4 >≥ 500/ mm3, n=627) patients were included between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 2009. Factors associated with late presentation (CD4 count <200 cells/μL) were assessed using descriptive statistics and ordered multivariable logistic regression. Results: At the time of diagnosis, 40.21% of patients had than less 200 CD4 lymphocytes/mm3. Age older than 30 years OR: 1.55[1.14-2.10], p=0.005, male gender OR: 1.83[1.58-2.12], p<0.0001, access to care before 1992 OR: 1.56[1.03-2.02], p=0.038 and alcohol use OR: 8.80[2.26-34.36], p=0.002 were independently associated with a low CD4 cell count. Conclusion: The findings of this study (underline the need to expand HIV testing beyond the usual facilities) may be of value in helping to achieve earlier access to treatment in HIV-infected patients in order to minimize the individual risk of morbidity and mortality.