Racial disparities in HIV virologic failure: do missed visits matter?

High levels of antiretroviral use and viral suppression among persons in HIV care in the United States, 2010

BACKGROUND

Contemporary data on patterns of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in the United States are needed to inform efforts to improve the HIV care cascade.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort who were in HIV care in 2010 to assess ART use and outcomes, stratified by nadir CD4 count (≤350, 351-500, or >500 cells/mm), demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, substance use, and engagement in continuous care (≥2 visits ≥3 months apart in 2010).

RESULTS

Of 8633 patients at 7 sites who had ≥1 medical visit and ≥1 viral load in 2010, 94% had ever initiated ART, 89% were on ART, and 70% had an undetectable viral load at the end of 2010. Fifty percent of ART-naive patients had nadir CD4 counts >500 cells per cubic millimeter, but this group comprised just 3% of the total population. Among patients who were ART naive at the time of cohort entry (N = 4637), both ART initiation and viral suppression were strongly associated with nadir CD4 count. Comparing 2009 and 2010, the percentages of patients with viral suppression among those with nadir CD4 counts 351-500 and >500 cells per cubic millimeter were 44% vs. 57% and 25% vs. 33%, respectively. Engagement in care was the only factor consistently associated with ART use and viral suppression across nadir CD4 count strata.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ART use and viral suppression among persons in HIV care may be more common than estimated in some previous studies and increased from 2009 to 2010.

Higher quality communication and relationships are associated with improved patient engagement in HIV care

Patient retention in HIV care may be influenced by patient-provider interactions. In an urban, academic HIV clinic, 1363 patients rated the quality of communication and relationships with their providers on 5 domains. We used linear regressions to investigate associations between these 5 domains and appointment adherence. In multivariate analysis, patients kept more appointments if providers treated them with dignity and respect, listened carefully to them, explained in ways they could understand, and knew them as persons. Being involved in decisions was not significantly associated with appointment adherence. Enhancing providers' skills in effective communication and relationship building may improve patient retention in HIV care.

The association of clinical follow-up intervals in HIV-infected persons with viral suppression on subsequent viral suppression

The recommendation for the frequency for routine clinical monitoring of persons with well-controlled HIV infection is based on evidence that relies on observed rather than intended follow-up intervals. We sought to determine if the scheduled follow-up interval is associated with subsequent virologic failure. Participants in this 6-clinic retrospective cohort study had an index clinic visit in 2008 and HIV viral load (VL) ≤400 c/mL. Univariate and multivariate tests evaluated if scheduling the next follow-up appointment at 3, 4, or 6 months predicted VL >400 c/mL at 12 months (VF). Among 2171 participants, 66%, 26%, and 8% were scheduled next follow-up visits at 3, 4, and 6 months, respectively. With missing 12-month VL considered VF, 25%, 25%, and 24% of persons scheduled at 3, 4, and 6 months had VF, respectively (p=0.95). Excluding persons with missing 12-month VL, 7.1%, 5.7%, and 4.5% had VF, respectively (p=0.35). Multivariable models yielded nonsignificant odds of VF by scheduled follow-up interval both when missing 12-month VL were considered VF and when persons with missing 12-month VL were excluded. We conclude that clinicians are able to make safe decisions extending follow-up intervals in persons with viral suppression, at least in the short-term.

Missed office visits and risk of mortality among HIV-infected subjects in a large healthcare system in the United States

Linkage and retention in care soon after HIV diagnosis improves clinical outcomes. Conversely, missed visits after diagnosis are associated with increased mortality in the public care setting. We analyzed mortality among newly diagnosed HIV patients ≥18 years old in a large private care setting between 01/01/1997 and 12/31/2009, comparing patients who missed visits in their first year following diagnosis (index period) with those who did not. Patients who died during the index period were excluded. Hazard ratios (HR) for association of missed visits and mortality were obtained by Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for patient demographics, CD4+ counts, and AIDS-defining conditions (CDC, 1993) at diagnosis. We also evaluated risk factors of missed visits by multivariable logistic regression. 2811 patients were included, of whom 65% had ≥1 missed visit, and 226 patients died during follow-up. Patients with ≥1 missed visit had a 71% increased mortality risk (HR=1.71, p=0.001) with 12% increased rate per missed visit (HR=1.12, p<0.001). Factors associated with missed visits were younger age (OR=1.69 compared to 60+ years), Black and Latino race/ethnicity (OR=1.54, 1.48 respectively, compared to Caucasians), injection drug use (OR=2.50 compared to men who have sex with men), and lower CD4+ (OR=1.43 for CD4+ 100-199 cells/μL, OR=1.39 for 50-99 cells/μL, and OR=1.63 for CD4+ <50 cells/μL, compared with CD4+ >500 cells/μL). In an insured patient population, missed visits in the first year of HIV care are common and associated with increased mortality. Early retention in HIV care is critical to improving outcomes.

Factors associated with remaining on initial randomized efavirenz-containing regimens

OBJECTIVE

Efavirenz (EFV) along with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) is a recommended initial antiretroviral regimen. Understanding characteristics related to EFV success is clinically useful.

DESIGN

Data from 2220 antiretroviral-naive participants randomized to EFV and two to three NRTIs in four ACTG trials as well as a long-term cohort were analysed.

METHODS

Logistic regression, using inverse probability of censoring weighting to address selective-follow-up bias, was used to identify factors associated with EFV success (no treatment interruptions of >30 days, HIV RNA < 200 copies/ml) 1 year post initiation and at years 2-5 if successful at year 1.

RESULTS

Pretreatment characteristics were median age 38 years, 82% male, 40% white, 10% history of IDU (HxIDU), median CD4+ T-lymphocyte 227 cells/μl and 33% HIV RNA more than 100 ,000 copies/ml. In a multivariable model, factors associated with year 1 EFV success were race [white odds ratio (OR) 1.5; P < 0.001; Hispanic OR 1.5; P = 0.003 vs. black], no pretreatment sign/symptom grade 3 or higher (OR 1.7; P = 0.008) and no HxIDU (OR 1.7; P = 0.001). Predictors of EFV success at years 2-5 were no HxIDU (years 2-5; ORs 1.9-2.2); self-reported complete (4 days prior to study visit) adherence during year 1 (years 2-4; ORs 1.6-1.9); fewer missed visits during year 1 (years 2, 4, 5; ORs 0.92-0.98/1% increase); HIV RNA less than 50 copies/ml at year 1 (years 2, 3; ORs 1.9-2.2); and older age (>50 vs. ≤30 years) (years 2-4: ORs 2.3-3.7).

CONCLUSION

Characteristics predictive of EFV success in the short-term and longer term differed except for HxIDU. Behaviours occurring during year 1 were associated with EFV success over 5 years.

Impact of Poor Retention in HIV Medical Care on Time to Viral Load Suppression

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how poor retention in HIV care impacts time to viral suppression after initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study design, employing a medical chart review, was conducted at an academic infectious disease clinic at the University of Kentucky. Patients seeking care between 2003 and 2011 were included in the study. A log-normal model was employed to determine the factors associated with time to viral suppression.

Results:

Of the 532 patients in the study, 426 (80.1%) patients were virally suppressed. Controlling for insurance status, race, baseline CD4 counts, and viral loads, the expected time to viral suppression for nonoptimal retainers was longer compared to optimal retainers (100% retained in care; time ratio: 2.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.40-2.90).

Conclusion:

Researchers should continue to study the impact of retention on clinical outcomes and strategies to improve retention and reengage those lost to follow-up back into care.

"Taking a half day at a time:" patient perspectives and the HIV engagement in care continuum

The HIV treatment continuum, or "cascade," outlines key benchmarks in the successful treatment of HIV-infected individuals. However, the cascade fails to capture important dimensions of the patient experience in that it has been constructed from a provider point of view. In order to understand meaningful steps in the HIV care cascade for individuals diagnosed with HIV through expanded, more routine testing, we conducted in-depth interviews (n=34) with three groups of individuals: those diagnosed with HIV in the emergency department/urgent care clinic who linked to HIV care and exhibited 100% appointment adherence in the first 6 months of HIV care; those diagnosed in the emergency department/urgent care clinic who linked to HIV care and exhibited sporadic appointment adherence in the first 6 months of HIV care, and; hospitalized patients with no outpatient HIV care for at least 6 months. This last group was chosen to supplement data from in-care patients. The engagement in care process was defined by a changing perspective on HIV, one's HIV identity, and the role of health care. The linkage to care experience laid the groundwork for subsequent retention. Interventions to support engagement in care should acknowledge that patient concerns change over time and focus on promoting shifts in perspective.

Retention among North American HIV-infected persons in clinical care, 2000-2008

BACKGROUND

Retention in care is key to improving HIV outcomes. The goal of this study was to describe 'churn' in patterns of entry, exit, and retention in HIV care in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

Adults contributing ≥1 CD4 count or HIV-1 RNA (HIV-lab) from 2000 to 2008 in North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design clinical cohorts were included. Incomplete retention was defined as lack of 2 HIV-laboratories (≥90 days apart) within 12 months, summarized by calendar year. Beta-binomial regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of factors associated with incomplete retention.

RESULTS

Among 61,438 participants, 15,360 (25%) with incomplete retention significantly differed in univariate analyses (P < 0.001) from 46,078 (75%) consistently retained by age, race/ethnicity, HIV risk, CD4, antiretroviral therapy use, and country of care (United States vs. Canada). From 2000 to 2004, females (OR = 0.82, CI: 0.70 to 0.95), older individuals (OR = 0.78, CI: 0.74 to 0.83 per 10 years), and antiretroviral therapy users (OR = 0.61, CI: 0.54 to 0.68 vs. all others) were less likely to have incomplete retention, whereas black individuals (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.16 to 1.49, vs. white), those with injection drug use HIV risk (OR = 1.68, CI: 1.49 to 1.89, vs. noninjection drug use), and those in care longer (OR = 1.09, CI: 1.07 to 1.11 per year) were more likely to have incomplete retention. Results from 2005 to 2008 were similar.

DISCUSSION

From 2000 to 2008, 75% of the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design population was consistently retained in care with 25% experiencing some changes in status or churn. In addition to the programmatic and policy implications, the findings of this study identify patient groups who may benefit from focused retention efforts.

Using the HIV surveillance system to monitor the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

OBJECTIVES

To report on indicators of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we analyzed data collected through the national HIV surveillance system.

METHODS

We analyzed data from adults and adolescents aged 13 years or older diagnosed with HIV in 13 US jurisdictions that have laboratory reporting of CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4) and viral load (VL) test results and enter CD4 and VL test results into the national surveillance system.

RESULTS

Of 4899 people diagnosed in 2009, 81.7% had at least 1 CD4 or VL test performed within 3 months of diagnosis. A higher proportion of Whites (86.2%) than Blacks (78.4%) and Hispanics (82.6%) had a CD4 or VL test. Of 53,642 people diagnosed through 2008 and living with HIV at the end of 2009 who had a VL test, 69.4% had a most recent VL of 200 copies per milliliter or less. The proportion of people with suppressed VLs differed among Blacks (60.2%), Hispanics (70.3%), and Whites (77.4%) and among people aged 13 to 24 years (44.3%) compared with people aged 65 years or older (84.2%). Of men who have sex with men, 74.2% had a suppressed VL.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight disparities in access to and success of care.

Risk factors for short-term virologic outcomes among HIV-infected patients undergoing regimen switch of combination antiretroviral therapy

We investigated risk factors for unfavorable virologic responses among HIV-infected patients who recently switched antiretroviral regimens. We identified HIV-infected patients who switched antiretroviral regimens (defined as adding ≥2 new medications) between 2001 and 2008 at Kaiser Permanente California. Virological response, measured after 6 months on the new regimen, was classified as (1) maximal viral suppression (HIV RNA <75/ml), (2) low-level viremia (LLV; 75-5000/ml), or (3) advanced virologic failure (>5000/ml). Potential risk factors examined included (1) HIV disease factors, e.g., prior AIDS, CD4 cell count; (2) history of antiretroviral use, e.g., therapy classes of the newly switched regimen, medication adherence, and virologic failure at previous regimens; and (3) novel patient-level factors including comorbidities and healthcare utilization. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for LLV and advanced virologic failure were obtained from multivariable nominal logistic regression models. A total of 3447 patients were included; 2608 (76%) achieved maximal viral suppression, 420 (12%) had LLV, and 419 (12%) developed advanced virologic failure. Factors positively associated with LLV and advanced virologic failure included number of regimens prior to switch [aOR(per regimen)=1.38 (1.17-1.62) and 1.77 (1.50-2.08), respectively], nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor-only regimens (vs. protease inhibitor-based) [aOR=2.78 (1.28-6.04) and 5.10 (2.38-10.90), respectively], and virologic failure at previous regimens [aOR=3.15 (2.17-4.57) and 4.71 (2.84-7.81), respectively]. Older age, higher CD4 cell count, and medication adherence were protective for unfavorable virologic outcomes. Antiretroviral regimen-level factors and immunodeficiency were significantly associated with virologic failure after a recent therapy switch and should be considered when making treatment change decisions.

Risk factors for missed HIV primary care visits among men who have sex with men

Benefits of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) depend on consistent HIV care attendance. However, appointment non-adherence (i.e. missed appointments) is common even in programs that reduce financial barriers. Demographic, health/treatment, and psychosocial contributors to appointment non-adherence were examined among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending HIV primary care. Participants (n = 503) completed questionnaires, and HIV biomarker data were extracted from medical records. At 12 months, records were reviewed to assess HIV primary care appointment non-adherence. Among MSM, 31.2% missed without cancellation at least one appointment during 12-month study period. Independent predictors (P < 0.05) were: low income (OR = 1.87); African American (OR = 3.00) and Hispanic/Latino (OR = 4.31) relative to non-Hispanic White; depression (OR = 2.01); and low expectancy for appointments to prevent/treat infection (OR = 2.38), whereas private insurance (OR = 0.48) and older age (OR = 0.94) predicted lower risk. Low self-efficacy predicted marginal risk (OR = 2.74, P = 0.10). The following did not independently predict risk for non-adherence: education, relationship status, general health, time since HIV diagnosis, ART history, post-traumatic stress disorder, HIV stigma, or supportive clinic staff. Appointment non-adherence is prevalent, particularly among younger and racial/ethnic minority MSM. Socioeconomic barriers, depression and low appointment expectancy and self-efficacy may be targets to increase care engagement.

Enhanced Collection of Laboratory Data in HIV Surveillance Among 5 States with Confidential Name-based HIV Infection Reporting, 2005-2006

Laboratory data reported through HIV surveillance can provide information about disease severity and linkage to care; however these measures are only as accurate as the quality and completeness of data reported. Using data from five states that implemented enhanced collection of laboratory data in HIV surveillance from 2005-2006, we determined completeness of reporting, stage of disease at diagnosis, the most common opportunistic illnesses (OI) at diagnosis, and linkage to medical care. Methods to enhance laboratory reporting included increasing active surveillance efforts, identifying laboratories not reporting to HIV surveillance, increasing electronic reporting, and using laboratory results from auxiliary databases. Of 3,065 persons ≥13 years of age diagnosed with HIV, 35.5% were diagnosed with stage 3 (AIDS) and 37.7% progressed to stage 3 within 12-months after diagnosis. Overall, 78.5% were linked to care within 3 months; however, a higher proportion of persons with ≥1 CD4 or viral load test was found among whites compared with blacks/African Americans (82.1% vs 73.6%, p<0.001). Few (12.3%) had an OI within 3 months of diagnosis. The completeness of laboratory data collected through surveillance was improved with enhanced reporting and provided a more accurate picture of stage of disease and gaps in linkage to care. Additional interventions are needed to meet the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy on linkage to care and the reduction of HIV-related disparities.

Establishment, retention, and loss to follow-up in outpatient HIV care

BACKGROUND

For optimal clinical benefit, HIV-infected patients should receive periodic outpatient care indefinitely. However, initially establishing HIV care and subsequent retention in care are problematic. This study examines establishment, retention, and loss to follow-up (LTFU) in a large multi-site cohort over a 2-8 year period.

METHODS

Medical record data were reviewed for 22,984 adult HIV patients receiving care at 12 clinics in the HIV Research Network between 2001 and 2009. Three dichotomous outcome measures were based on each patient's history of outpatient visits. Establishment reflects whether the patient made outpatient visits for longer than 6 months after initial enrollment. The retention measure reflects whether the patient had at least 2 outpatient visits separated by 90 days in each year in care. LTFU reflects whether the patient had no outpatient visits for more than 12 months without returning. Multiple logistic regression examined demographic and clinical correlates of each outcome and the combined outcome of meeting all 3 measures.

RESULTS

Overall, 21.7% of patients never established HIV care after an initial visit. Among established patients, 57.4% did not meet the retention criterion in all years, and 34.9% were LTFU. Only 20.4% of all patients met all 3 criteria. The odds of successfully meeting all 3 criteria were higher for women, for older patients, for Hispanics compared with whites, and for those with CD4 levels ≤50 cells per cubic millimeter.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight the need to improve establishment and retention in HIV care.

Understanding how adherence goals promote adherence behaviours: a repeated measure observational study with HIV seropositive patients

BACKGROUND

The extent to which patients follow treatments as prescribed is pivotal to treatment success. An exceptionally high level (> 95%) of HIV medication adherence is required to suppress viral replication and protect the immune system and a similarly high level (> 80%) of adherence has also been suggested in order to benefit from prescribed exercise programmes. However, in clinical practice, adherence to both often falls below the desirable level. This project aims to investigate a wide range of psychological and personality factors that may lead to adherence/non-adherence to medical treatment and exercise programmes.

METHODS

HIV positive patients who are referred to the physiotherapist-led 10-week exercise programme as part of the standard care are continuously recruited. Data on social cognitive variables (attitude, intention, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and outcome beliefs) about the goal and specific behaviours, selected personality factors, perceived quality of life, physical activity, self-reported adherence and physical assessment are collected at baseline, at the end of the exercise programme and again 3 months later. The project incorporates objective measures of both exercise (attendance log and improvement in physical measures such as improved fitness level, weight loss, improved circumferential anthropometric measures) and medication adherence (verified by non-invasive hair analysis).

DISCUSSION

The novelty of this project comes from two key aspects, complemented with objective information on exercise and medication adherence. The project assesses beliefs about both the underlying goal such as following prescribed treatment; and about the specific behaviours such as undertaking the exercise or taking the medication, using both implicit and explicit assessments of patients' beliefs and attitudes. We predict that i) the way people think about the underlying goal of their treatments explains medication and exercise behaviours over and above the effects of the behaviour-specific thinking and ii) the relationship between adherence to exercise and to medical treatment is stronger among those with more favourable views about the goal. Results from this study should identify the key contributing factors to inform subsequent adherence research and afford a more streamlined assessment matrix. The project also aims to inform patient care practices. UK CLINICAL RESEARCH NETWORK REGISTRATION NUMBER: UKCRN 7842.

Health information exchange interventions can enhance quality and continuity of HIV care

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to describe how comprehensive HIV care is delivered within Ryan White Program (RWP)-funded clinics and to characterize proposed health information exchange (HIE) interventions, which employ technology to exchange information among providers, designed to improve the quality and coordination of clinical and support services.

METHODS

We use HIV patient care quality and coordination indicators from electronic data systems to describe care delivery in six RWP demonstration sites and describe HIE interventions designed to enhance that care.

RESULTS

Among patients currently in care, 91% were retained in care in the previous six months (range across sites: 63-99%), 79% were appropriately prescribed antiretroviral therapy (54-91%) and 52% had achieved undetectable HIV viral load (16-85%). To facilitate coordination of care across clinical and support services, sites designed HIE interventions to access a variety of data systems (e.g. surveillance, electronic health records, laboratory and billing) and focused on improving linkage and retention, quality and efficiency of care and increased access to patient information.

DISCUSSION

Care quality in RWP settings can be improved with HIE tools facilitating linkage, retention and coordination of care. When fully leveraged, HIE interventions have the potential to improve coordination of care and thereby enhance patient health outcomes.

A pilot study of delivering peer health messages in an HIV clinic via mobile media

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study tested the feasibility and impact of using mobile media devices to present peer health messages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A convenience sample of 30 adult patients from an outpatient HIV clinic serving a mostly rural catchment area in central Virginia volunteered for the study. Participants viewed short videos of people discussing HIV health topics on an Apple (Cupertino, CA) iPod® touch® mobile device. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed attitudes related to engagement in care and disease disclosure.

RESULTS

Participants found delivery of health information by the mobile device acceptable in a clinic setting. They used the technology without difficulty. Participants reported satisfaction with and future interest in viewing such videos after using the mobile devices. The majority of participants used the device to access more videos than requested, and many reported the videos "hit home." There were no significant changes in participant perceptions about engagement in care or HIV disclosure after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of using mobile media technology to deliver peer health messages. Future research should explore how to best use mobile media to improve engagement in care and reduce perceptions of stigma.

Understanding the behavioral determinants of retention in HIV care: a qualitative evaluation of a situated information, motivation, behavioral skills model of care initiation and maintenance

The current study provides a qualitative test of a recently proposed application of an Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of health behavior situated to the social-environmental, structural, cognitive-affective, and behavioral demands of retention in HIV care. Mixed-methods qualitative analysis was used to identify the content and context of critical theory-based determinants of retention in HIV care, and to evaluate the relative fit of the model to the qualitative data collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample of inner-city patients accessing traditional and nontraditional HIV care services in the Bronx, NY. The sample reflected a diverse marginalized patient population who commonly experienced comorbid chronic conditions (e.g., psychiatric disorders, substance abuse disorders, diabetes, hepatitis C). Through deductive content coding, situated IMB model-based content was identified in all but 7.1% of statements discussing facilitators or barriers to retention in HIV care. Inductive emergent theme identification yielded a number of important themes influencing retention in HIV care (e.g., acceptance of diagnosis, stigma, HIV cognitive/physical impairments, and global constructs of self-care). Multiple elements of these themes strongly aligned with the model's IMB constructs. The convergence of the results from both sets of analysis demonstrate that participants' experiences map well onto the content and structure of the situated IMB model, providing a systematic classification of important theoretical and contextual determinants of retention in care. Future intervention efforts to enhance retention in HIV care should address these multiple determinants (i.e., information, motivation, behavioral skills) of self-directed retention in HIV care.

Childhood trauma and health outcomes in HIV-infected patients: an exploration of causal pathways

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic life histories are highly prevalent in people living with HIV/AIDS and predict sexual risk behaviors, medication adherence, and all-cause mortality. Yet the causal pathways explaining these relationships remain poorly understood. We sought to quantify the association of trauma with negative behavioral and health outcomes and to assess whether those associations were explained by mediation through psychosocial characteristics.

METHODS

In 611 outpatient people living with HIV/AIDS, we tested whether trauma's influence on later health and behaviors was mediated by coping styles, self-efficacy, social support, trust in the medical system, recent stressful life events, mental health, and substance abuse.

RESULTS

In models adjusting only for sociodemographic and transmission category confounders (estimating total effects), pasttrauma exposure was associated with 7 behavioral and health outcomes including increased odds or hazard of recent unprotected sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17 per each additional type of trauma, 95% confidence interval = 1.07 to 1.29], medication nonadherence (OR = 1.13, 1.02 to 1.25), hospitalizations (hazard ratio = 1.12, 1.04 to 1.22), and HIV disease progression (hazard ratio = 1.10, 0.98 to 1.23). When all hypothesized mediators were included, the associations of trauma with health care utilization outcomes were reduced by about 50%, suggesting partial mediation (eg, OR for hospitalization changed from 1.12 to 1.07), whereas point estimates for behavioral and incident health outcomes remained largely unchanged, suggesting no mediation (eg, OR for unprotected sex changed from 1.17 to 1.18). Trauma remained associated with most outcomes even after adjusting for all hypothesized psychosocial mediators.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that past trauma influences adult health and behaviors through pathways other than the psychosocial mediators considered in this model.

The role of cultural distance between patient and provider in explaining racial/ethnic disparities in HIV care

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate whether cultural distance between patients and providers was associated with quality of care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and whether cultural distance helped explain racial/ethnic disparities in HIV care.

METHODS

We surveyed 437 patients and 45 providers at 4 HIV clinics in the U.S. We examined the association of patients' perceived cultural distance from their providers with patient ratings of healthcare quality, trust in provider, receipt of antiretroviral therapy, medication adherence, and viral suppression. We also examined whether racial/ethnic disparities in these aspects of HIV care were mediated by cultural distance.

RESULTS

Greater cultural distance was associated with lower patient ratings of healthcare quality and less trust in providers. Compared to white patients, nonwhites had significantly lower levels of trust, adherence, and viral suppression. Adjusting for patient-provider cultural distance did not significantly affect any of these disparities (p-values for mediation >.10).

CONCLUSION

Patient-provider cultural distance was negatively associated with perceived quality of care and trust but did not explain racial/ethnic disparities in HIV care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Bridging cultural differences may improve patient-provider relationships but may have limited impact in reducing racial/ethnic disparities, unless coupled with efforts to address other sources of unequal care.

Essential components of effective HIV care: a policy paper of the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antiretroviral agents and effective HIV care management transformed HIV disease from a death sentence to a chronic condition for many in the United States. A comprehensive HIV care model was developed to meet the complex needs of HIV patients, with support from the Ryan White program, the Veterans Administration, and others. This paper identifies the essential components of an effective HIV care model. As access to health care expands under the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it will be critical to build upon the HIV care model to realize positive health outcomes for people with HIV infection.

Increased mortality among publicly insured participants in the HIV Outpatient Study despite HAART treatment

OBJECTIVE

Understanding mortality differences among HIV-infected patients can focus efforts to improve survival.

DESIGN

We evaluated death rates, causes, and associated factors among treated patients in the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS), a large, prospective, multicenter observational cohort of HIV-infected persons seen at a diverse set of US sites of care.

METHODS

Among 3754 HOPS participants seen during 1996-2007 with at least 6 months of follow-up after initiating HAART and receiving HAART at least 75% of time under observation ('substantially treated'), we calculated hazard ratios for death using proportional hazards regression models. We also examined death causes and comorbidities among decedents.

RESULTS

Substantially treated participants, followed a median 4.7 years (interquartile range, 2.2-8.5), experienced 331 deaths. In multivariable analyses, higher mortality was associated with an index CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95-4.21], older age (aHR, 1.50 per 10 years; 95% CI 1.33-1.70), log(10)HIV RNA (aHR, 1.67 per log(10); 95% CI 1.51-1.85), but not race/ethnicity (aHR, 0.99 for blacks vs. whites, P = 0.92). Mortality was increased among publicly insured (PUB) vs. privately insured participants (PRV) when index CD4 cell count was at least 200 cells/μl (aHR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.32-3.14) but not when index CD4 cell count was less than 200 cells/μl (aHR, 1.3, P = 0.13). By death cause, PUB had significantly more cardiovascular events and hepatic disorders than PRV. Comorbidities more frequent among PUB vs. PRV decedents included cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, and chronic hepatitis.

CONCLUSION

Among HAART-treated participants with CD4 cell counts at least 200 cells/μl, PUB experienced higher death rates than PRV. Non-AIDS death and disease causes predominated among publicly insured decedents, suggesting that treatable comorbidities contributed to survival disparities.

The role of toxicity-related regimen changes in the development of antiretroviral resistance

In an effort to evaluate factors associated with the development of antiretroviral (ARV) resistance, we assessed the prevalence of toxicity-related regimen changes and modeled its association to the subsequent development of ARV resistance in a cohort of treatment-naive individuals initiating ARV therapy (ART). A retrospective analysis of patients initiating ART was conducted at the UAB 1917 Clinic from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2007. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to identify factors associated with the development of resistance to ≥1 ARV drug class. Among 462 eligible participants, 14% (n=64) developed ARV resistance. Individuals with ≥1 toxicity-related regimen change (HR=3.94, 95% CI=1.09-14.21), initiating ART containing ddI or d4T (4.12, 1.19-14.26), and from a minority race (2.91, 1.16-7.28) had increased risk of developing resistance. Achieving virologic suppression within 12 months of ART initiation (0.10, 0.05-0.20) and higher pretreatment CD4 count (0.85 per 50 cells/mm(3), 0.75-0.96) were associated with decreased hazards of resistance. Changes in ART due to drug intolerance were associated with the subsequent development of ARV resistance. Understanding the role of ARV drug selection and other factors associated with the emergence of ARV resistance will help inform interventions to improve patient care and ensure long-term treatment success.

Persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection are at high risk for depression and poor linkage to care: results from the Steps Study

Little is known about the prevalence and impact of depression in persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. The Steps Study is a prospective, observational cohort study of persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Participants were administered a battery of instruments, including the CES-D. Linkage to care was defined as attending at least one clinic appointment in each of the first two 90-day intervals following diagnosis. Of 180 participants, 67% screened positive for depression. In multivariate analysis, depression was associated with female sex, income <$25,000, recent substance abuse, baseline poor access to medical care, and low self-efficacy. Fifty-six and sixty-eight percent of depressed and not depressed participants linked to care, respectively. In multivariate analysis, depression was a borderline significant predictor of poor linkage. Depression is very prevalent in persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Interventions targeting linkage to care should address depression, substance abuse, and barriers to care.

Teleconsultation for clinicians who provide human immunodeficiency virus care: experience of the national HIV telephone consultation service

OBJECTIVE

To examine the infrastructure, successes, and challenges of a teleconsultation service for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinicians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HIV Warmline is a telephone consultation service providing free, live HIV/AIDS management advice to U.S. clinicians. We present descriptive data about callers, patients, and consultation topics gathered by electronic query of the HIV Warmline database for 2009. Caller satisfaction survey results for 2009 are also presented.

RESULTS

The HIV Warmline has provided more than 37,000 consultations since its inception in 1992. The service provides consultations to clinicians from all 50 states, from a variety of professional backgrounds, and with a wide range of HIV experience levels. The majority of call topics concern antiretroviral therapy. Callers are generally pleased with the service, giving a mean Likert scale rating of 4.7 on satisfaction survey questions.

CONCLUSION

The experience of the HIV Warmline can serve as a model for other programs planning to develop remote consultation systems. HIV teleconsultation has been relatively simple to implement and can be useful for many types of clinicians. HIV teleconsultation should continue to be evaluated as a way to improve HIV care, especially in areas without easy access to HIV expertise.

Linkage and retention in HIV care among men who have sex with men in the United States

Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While the MSM population does better than other HIV infection risk groups with regard to linkage to and retention in care, little is known about engagement in care outcomes for important subpopulations of MSM. There is also a dearth of research on engagement in care strategies specific to the MSM population. Key MSM subpopulations in the United States on which to focus future research efforts include racial/ethnic minority, young, and substance-using MSM. Health care systems navigation may offer a promising engagement in care strategy for MSM and should be further evaluated. As is the case for HIV-infected populations in general, future research should also focus on identifying the best metrics for measuring engagement in care.

Retention in HIV care: what the clinician needs to know

Poor retention in HIV disease care is a common, modifiable risk factor associated with poor outcomes, including higher rates of antiretroviral therapy failure, increased HIV transmission risk behaviors, and worse survival. Predictors of poor retention include younger age, female sex, racial or ethnic minority status, low socioeconomic status, no usual source of health care, less advanced HIV disease, fewer non-HIV-related comorbidities, and greater unmet psychosocial needs. Thus far, there have been few published randomized trials of interventions to improve retention. The fact that most clinics are understaffed and underresourced in a flat funding environment raises serious questions about the translation, dissemination, and sustainability of interventions found to be successful in the research setting. Efforts to improve retention in care should incorporate informational, motivational, and behavioral skills components. Practical steps can be taken by clinics to improve retention. This article summarizes a lecture by Thomas P. Giordano, MD, MPH, at the 13th Annual Clinical Conference for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program held in Washington, DC, in August 2010.

Keeping them in "STYLE": finding, linking, and retaining young HIV-positive black and Latino men who have sex with men in care

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) of color are at particularly increased risk for HIV infection compared to white MSM. National data highlight the need to link YMSM of color to care to improve their overall health and stem further infections, yet, there is limited data on interventions and clinical outcomes focused on engaging and retaining youth, specifically HIV-infected YMSM of color in care. To address the medical care needs of this underserved population, in 2005, the Health Research and Services Administration (HRSA) created the YMSM of Color Initiative. Utilizing a social marketing campaign targeting youth and members of their sexual and social networks, testing and outreach on college campuses and within the broader community, and a tightly linked medical-social support network, we created STYLE (Strength Through Youth Livin' Empowered), a novel intervention that sought to diagnose, engage, and retain HIV-positive black and Latino YMSM in HIV primary care services. Over a 3-year period, 81 men were either newly diagnosed or reengaged in care. Overall, 63% of the cohort was retained in clinical care; defined as attending at least one medical visit every 4 months. Compared to the 3 years prior to STYLE, the odds ratio for whether or not someone attended a clinic visit was 2.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-4.98) if enrolled in STYLE. We conclude that compared to a pre-STYLE cohort, STYLE was an effective intervention that increased HIV diagnoses, provided efficient and timely engagement in care for both those newly diagnosed and those who had fallen out of care and improved overall retention.

From access to engagement: measuring retention in outpatient HIV clinical care

Engagement in HIV care is increasingly recognized as a crucial step in maximizing individual patient outcomes. The recently updated HIV Medicine Association primary HIV care guidelines include a new recommendation highlighting the importance of extending adherence beyond antiretroviral medications to include adherence to clinical care. Beyond individual health, emphasis on a "test and treat" approach to HIV prevention highlights the public health importance of engagement in clinical care as an essential intermediary between the putative benefits of universal HIV testing ("test") followed by ubiquitous antiretroviral treatment ("treat"). One challenge to administrators, researchers and clinicians who want to systematically evaluate HIV clinical engagement is deciding on how to measure retention in care. Measuring retention is complex as this process includes multiple clinic visits (repeated measures) occurring longitudinally over time. This article provides a synthesis of five commonly used measures of retention in HIV care, highlighting their methodological and conceptual strengths and limitations, and suggesting situations where certain measures may be preferred over others. The five measures are missed visits, appointment adherence, visit constancy, gaps in care, and the Human Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau (HRSA HAB) performance measure for retention in HIV care. As has been noted for antiretroviral medication adherence, there is no gold standard to measure retention in care, and consideration of the advantages and limitations of each measure, particularly in the context of the desired application, should guide selection of a retention measure.

A qualitative study of the barriers and facilitators to retention-in-care among HIV-positive women in the rural southeastern United States: implications for targeted interventions

Retention in HIV medical care has been recognized as critical for long-term favorable clinical outcomes among HIV-positive patients. However, relatively little is known about specific factors related to HIV medical care adherence among HIV-positive women in rural areas in the United States, where the epidemic is rapidly growing among minorities and women. The objective of the current study was to assess barriers and facilitators to HIV clinic visit adherence among HIV-positive women in the rural southeastern region of the United States. Forty HIV-positive women were recruited from four outpatient clinics providing services to HIV-positive patients residing in 23 predominately rural counties in Alabama. Four focus groups were conducted ranging from 5 to 16 participants each. Content analysis was used to analyze and interpret the data. Data coding and sorting was conducted using QRS NVivo 8 software. Participants were predominately African American (92.3%) ranging in age from 29 to 69 years (mean = 46.1 years). On average, participants reported living with HIV for 8.8 years. Factors that impacted participants' ability to maintain clinic visit appointments included personal, contextual, and community/environmental factors that included: patient/provider relationships, family support, access to transportation, organizational infrastructure of the health care facility visited and perceived HIV stigma within their communities. The current study highlights the myriad of retention-in-care barriers faced by HIV-positive women living in rural areas in the southeastern United States. Innovative multilevel interventions that address these factors are sorely needed to increase long-term retention-in-care among HIV-positive women residing in rural areas.

Enrollment, retention, and visit attendance in the University of North Carolina Center for AIDS Research HIV clinical cohort, 2001-2007

Predictors of study retention and scheduled visit attendance in the University of North Carolina Center for AIDS Research (UNC CFAR) prospective clinical cohort of HIV-infected patients enrolled between 1 January 2001 and 1 January 2008 are reported. At study entry, 1636 participants were 32% female, 58% were African-American, 49% had not received HIV care elsewhere, 71% were receiving or initiated combination antiretroviral therapy, and 26% were diagnosed with AIDS, with median (quartiles) age of 40 (34; 47) years, distance to clinic of 45 (21; 70) miles, HIV-1 RNA of 1396 (200; 26,750) copies/ml, and CD4 of 374 (182; 602) cells/mm(3). Participants contributed a median of 7 (4; 13) scheduled visits and 2.25 (1.0; 3.9) years alive under follow-up. During 6134 person-years of follow-up, 414 participants dropped out and 145 died. Accounting for differences in death by participant characteristics, the 6-year cumulative probability of retention was 67% [95% confidence limits (CL): 65, 70%], with 6.75 (95% CL: 6.13, 7.43) drop outs per 100 person-years. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, retention was higher among participants who were insured, had not received HIV care elsewhere, had controlled HIV viremia, and were living in nonurban areas or proximate to the clinic. In a multivariable modified Poisson regression model that accounted for differences in drop out and death by participant characteristics, visit attendance was higher among older, AIDS-diagnosed, immune compromised, and cART-initiated participants. The UNC CFAR clinical cohort has ample enrollment with retention and visit attendance modestly influenced by factors such as disease severity.

Disparities in outcomes for African American and Latino subjects in the Flexible Initial Retrovirus Suppressive Therapies (FIRST) trial

To benefit maximally from antiretroviral therapy, patients with HIV infection must enter care before their disease is advanced and adhere to care. We sought to determine if and where on this continuum of care racial/ethnic disparities were evident. Data from the Flexible Initial Retrovirus Suppressive Therapies (FIRST) trial, which evaluated three strategies for initial HIV therapy, were compared for White, African American, and Latino subjects. Outcomes included progression of disease and death, HIV viral suppression, and change in CD4(+) cell count. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known predictors of survival. There were 1357 subjects, including 368 non-Latino white, 751 non-Latino African American, and 238 Latino subjects. At baseline, the two latter groups were more likely to have had AIDS and had lower CD4(+) cell counts than white subjects. In follow-up, African American subjects had lower self-reported adherence to therapy, lower CD4(+) cell count increases, and lower odds of viral suppression. African American and Latino subjects had unadjusted hazard ratios of progression of disease or death of 1.57 (1.17, 2.10; p = 0.0025) and 1.57 (1.09, 2.26; p = 0.02), respectively. Adjusting for baseline differences and differences in adherence, CD4(+) cell count change, and viral suppression accounted for the disparities in outcomes. Opportunities to reduce disparities in outcomes for African American and Latino patients exist along the continuum of HIV care. Efforts to promote access to HIV testing and care and to improve adherence have the potential to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in outcomes of patients with HIV infection.

Comparative efficacy versus effectiveness of initial antiretroviral therapy in clinical trials versus routine care

BACKGROUND

The applicability of clinical trial findings (efficacy) to the routine care setting (effectiveness) may be limited because of study eligibility criteria and volunteer bias. Although well-chronicled in many conditions, the efficacy versus effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains understudied.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the University of Alabama at Birmingham 1917 Clinic Cohort evaluated ART-naive patients who started ART from 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2006. Patients received ART through clinical trials or routine care. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were fit to evaluate factors associated with virological failure (virological failure was defined as a viral load >50 copies/mL) and change from baseline CD4+ cell count 6 and 12 months after ART initiation. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of missing data on outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 570 patients starting ART during the study period, 121 (21%) enrolled in clinical trials, and 449 (79%) received ART via routine care. ART receipt through routine care was not associated with viral failure at either 6 months (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.86) or 12 months (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.80-3.05) in primary analyses. No statistically significant differences in CD4+ cell count responses at 6 and 12 months were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although marked differences in efficacy versus effectiveness have been observed in the therapeutic outcomes of other conditions, our analyses found no evidence of such divergence among our patients who initiated antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Predicting virologic failure in an HIV clinic

BACKGROUND

We sought to use data captured in the electronic health record (EHR) to develop and validate a prediction rule for virologic failure among patients being treated for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS

We used EHRs at 2 Boston tertiary care hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, to identify HIV-infected patients who were virologically suppressed (HIV RNA level < or = 400 copies/mL) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the period from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2006. We used a multivariable logistic model with data from Massachusetts General Hospital to derive a 1-year virologic failure prediction rule. The model was validated using data from Brigham and Women's Hospital.We then simplified the scoring scheme to develop a clinical prediction rule.

RESULTS

The 1-year virologic failure prediction model, using data from 712 patients from Massachusetts General Hospital, demonstrated good discrimination (C statistic, 0.78) and calibration (chi(2)= 6.6; P= .58). The validation model, based on 362 patients from Brigham and Women's Hospital, also showed good discrimination (C statistic, 0.79) and calibration (chi(2)= 1.9; P= .93). The clinical prediction rule included 7 predictors (suboptimal adherence, CD4 cell count < 100 cells/microL, drug and/or alcohol abuse, highly ART experienced, missed > or = 1 appointment, prior virologic failure, and suppressed < or = 12 months) and appropriately stratified patients in the validation data set into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, with 1-year virologic failure rates of 3.0%, 13.0%, and 28.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A risk score based on 7 variables available in the EHR predicts HIV virologic failure at 1 year and could be used for targeted interventions to improve outcomes in HIV infection.

The interplay of sociodemographic factors on virologic suppression among a U.S. outpatient HIV clinic population

Understanding challenges to virologic suppression is essential to optimizing health outcomes among individuals with HIV. This cross-sectional behavioral assessment was conducted among 514 individuals presenting at an urban U.S. HIV clinic between June and September 2007. The majority of the sample was African American and male, with a mean age of 42 years. Most of the sample was receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the majority of those had suppressed viral loads (HIV viral loads less than 400 copies per milliliter). By logistic regression analyses, African American/other minorities had 2.9 increased odds, those less than high school degree had 2.3 increased odds, those who were receiving ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor therapy had 1.4 increased odds, and those who had expressed symptoms indicative of depressive disorders had 2.5 increased odds of having unsuppressed viremia as compared to Caucasians, those with more education, receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based therapy, and who had minimal depressive symptoms, respectively. These findings signify the importance of individualized interventions to enhance virologic suppression, both based on medication choices and individual characteristics.

Mental health treatment to reduce HIV transmission risk behavior: a positive prevention model

Secondary HIV prevention, or "positive prevention," is concerned with reducing HIV transmission risk behavior and optimizing the health and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The association between mental health and HIV transmission risk (i.e., sexual risk and poor medication adherence) is well established, although most of this evidence is observational. Further, a number of efficacious mental health treatments are available for PLWHA yet few positive prevention interventions integrate mental health treatment. We propose that mental health treatment, including behavioral and pharmacologic interventions, can lead to reductions in HIV transmission risk behavior and should be a core component of secondary HIV prevention. We present a conceptual model and recommendations to guide future research on the effect of mental health treatment on HIV transmission risk behavior among PLWHA.

Predictors of retention in HIV care among a national cohort of US veterans

BACKGROUND

Poor retention in HIV care leads to poor survival. The predictors of poor retention in HIV care are not well understood, especially from US nationwide datasets. We determined the predictors of poor retention in HIV care among a group of US veterans and examined whether poor retention was confounded by other predictors of survival.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,619 male US veterans who started antiretroviral therapy after January 1, 1998. Poor retention in HIV care was defined as having had at least 1 quarter-year without any primary care visit in the year after starting antiretroviral therapy. Survival was assessed through 2002. Logistic regression and Cox models were constructed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six percent of patients had poor retention in care. In multivariable analysis, younger age, Black race/ethnicity, CD4 cell count >350 x10(6)/L, hepatitis C infection, and illicit drug use were predictive of poor retention in care. Having a chronic medical comorbidity and being identified as a man having sex with men (MSM) were associated with improved retention in care. In multivariable survival analyses, poor retention in care was not a confounder or moderator for other variables that predicted survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention in HIV care is an independent predictor of survival. As routine HIV screening increases, more people with the characteristics predictive of poor retention in care will be identified. Interventions to improve retention in care are needed.

Predictors of success with highly active antiretroviral therapy in an antiretroviral-naive urban population

Abstract Predictors of successful virologic, immunologic, and clinical response with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) containing a boosted protease inhibitor or a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor were analyzed among an antiretroviral naive (ARV-naive) urban cohort. Measures of success included virologic suppression [HIV-1 viral load (VL) <400 copies/ml], an increase in CD4(+) T cells from baseline of >100 cells/microl, and lack of development of an AIDS-defining illness at 24 and 48 weeks after cART initiation. Two hundred and eighty-seven ARV-naive patients were included in this cohort, of which 76.7% were male and 86.8% were nonwhite. At the time of cART initiation their median age was 39 years, the geometric mean CD4(+) count was 42 cells/microl, and the mean viral load was 5.3 log(10) copies/ml. At 48 weeks, 72% of patients achieved virologic suppression, with > or =90% adherence and high school graduation predicting viral undetectability at 48 weeks. Baseline VL < or =100,000 copies/ml and a CD4(+) cell count >100 cells/microl were associated with viral suppression at 24 weeks [OR (95% CI) = 3.55 (1.29-9.81) and 3.96 (1.19-13.15), respectively]; female gender was associated with a greater increase in CD4(+) cell counts [OR (95% CI) = 7.41 (2.48-22.1)]. CDC stage A1-C2 at baseline predicted lack of clinical progression at 48 weeks. The results of this analysis of an ARV-naive cohort comprised predominantly of indigent, minority patients suggest that men who did not have a high school education and who had advanced HIV infection are less likely to have therapeutic success after cART initiation.

HIV and CKD epidemiology

Nephrologists can serve many important functions for HIV-infected patients, including identifying risks for developing kidney disease, detecting and diagnosing kidney disease, distinguishing antiretroviral-induced kidney injury from kidney disease in the setting of antiretroviral therapy, comanaging the clinical course and complications of CKD, and preparing patients for dialysis and/or transplantation. The epidemiology of kidney disease in HIV informs us for these functions by describing the natural history of disease, its frequent occurrence in high-risk communities, and its potential causes. Risk factors that drive CKD in HIV are black race, hypertension, diabetes, HIV viral replication with low CD4 cell counts, high viral load or acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining conditions, and antiretroviral agents with nephrotoxic potential. The prevalence of these risk factors in any population determines the magnitude of the problem, which can range from as low as 2% to as high as 30%. Recent research focuses on kidney health in HIV. Important links between HIV viral replication and glomerular filtration rate, even in patients with normal kidney function, are now being reported. A review of these data provides the foundation for a better understanding of kidney disease and, hopefully, better treatment for patients with HIV.

Barriers to HIV care: an exploration of the complexities that influence engagement in and utilization of treatment

This study is an exploration of engagement in outpatient medical care, medication utilization, and barriers to treatment utilization among 24 predominantly low-income, ethnic minority adults who were admitted to an urban hospital for HIV-related illnesses. A semi-structured interview was administered during the sample's hospital stay to explore patterns of service use and identify barriers to care. The majority of the sample was connected to an outpatient provider and satisfied with the care they received; however, most missed treatment appointments and skipped medication dosages. Health and treatment-related barriers, competing demands, and co-occurring mental health symptoms and illicit substance use were identified as barriers to care. Multiple obstacles indigenous to the individual, their treatment, and the environment prevented consistent treatment use among an economically disadvantaged ethnic minority sample: Implications and future directions in engaging vulnerable populations into health care for HIV are discussed.