Delayed presentation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care among veterans - A problem of access or screening?
Delayed presentation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care among veterans - A problem of access or screening?
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DOI:
10.1097/mlr.0b013e3181271476
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发表时间:
2007-11-01
期刊:
影响因子:
3
通讯作者:
Justice, Amy C.
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
Gandhi, Neel R.;Skanderson, Melissa;Justice, Amy C.
Background: Despite the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy, nearly half of patients entering human inummodeficiency virus (HIV) care have advanced disease. Many attribute this delay to poor access to healthcare. Others argue that delays will persist until routine screening is adopted. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is a unique laboratory to examine whether access to comprehensive health benefits results in earlier entry into HIV care.Methods: Retrospective observational study of 4368 HIV-positive patients entering HIV care during 1998-2002 at VA medical centers nationwide. Outcomes of interest: rates of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in year of presentation; duration of VA utilization before HIV presentation; presence of "clinical triggers," signaling greater risk of HIV infection, before presentation.Results: Fifty-one percent (n = 2211) of all patients presented with CD4 counts of