Disparities in Consistent Retention in HIV Care--11 States and the District of Columbia, 2011-2013.

Abstract

In 2013, 45% of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection diagnoses occurred in non-Hispanic blacks/African Americans (blacks) (1), who represent 12% of the U.S. * Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves clinical outcomes and reduces transmission of HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (2). Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV care limit access to ART, perpetuating disparities in survival and reduced HIV transmission. National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) data are used to monitor progress toward reaching the National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals to improve care among persons living with HIV and to reduce HIV-related disparities.(†) CDC used NHSS data to describe retention in HIV care over 3 years and describe differences by race/ethnicity. Among persons with HIV infection diagnosed in 2010 who were alive in December 2013, 38% of blacks with HIV infection were consistently retained in care during 2011-2013, compared with 50% of Hispanics/Latinos (Hispanics) and 49% of non-Hispanic whites (whites). Differences in consistent retention in care by race/ethnicity persisted when groups were stratified by sex or transmission category. Among blacks, 35% of males were consistently retained in care compared with 44% of females. Differences in HIV care retention by race/ethnicity were established during the first year after diagnosis. Efforts to establish early HIV care among blacks are needed to mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in HIV outcomes over time.