Factors Associated With Late Presentation Of HIV Care in Eritrea

Despite the wide availability of ART care centers in Anseba region, the access to care with advanced HIV disease remains common, with 78% of HIV-infected patients initiating care at CD4 counts <350/mm3 and 32% with AIDS. This study shows that, although late HIV testing is the most frequent cause of delayed presentation to care with 91.5%, low rates of linkage to care also lead to late presentation. Authors studied 8.5% of patients delayed initiating care after being diagnosed with HIV. They further showed that base line function test (working) and HIV+ Spouse, Parent to Child route of transmission are independent factors associated with LP. Indeed, people who are more likely to be diagnosed and to present late usually do not consider themselves as "risk categories" or perceive HIV as stigmatized disease. HIV screening procedures basically depend on an individual's perception of his/her HIV risk.

Autorentext

Winta Dawit Yohanness, laureata in sanità pubblica. Funzionario presso l'Orota College of Medicine and Health Science.Ora lavora all'aeroporto internazionale di Asmara come ufficiale sanitario di quarantena.