Can Multiple Illnesses Plus HIV Trigger Integrated Care?

Abstract

Persons living with HIV also experience other comorbidities, some of which are related to prolonged use of antiretroviral therapy. The increased burden of chronic conditions along with HIV infection can reduce quality of life. Two exploratory studies, conducted in Duval County, Jacksonville Florida, USA, pursued justification for development of a cumulative chronic disease severity index of common non-communicable diseases, which co-occurred with HIV. Study one used a sample of 121 client charts. Study two screened 96 HIV positive clients for nutritional risk using a patient care, disease-specific screening tool. Both studies relied on convenience sampling, were non-comparable, yet each provided evidence of poor metabolic health indicator. This shared finding portends risks for future health complications such as heart disease and stroke, among others. Given the excess burden of chronic diseases that exist in Duval County, strengthening the HIV health care system data coordination and collection infrastructure can facilitate the provision of patient centered care.