Abstract
This quantitative cross-sectional study of HIV/AIDS patients (N=1,520) in São Paulo evaluated factors associated with a delay in seeking care. Analysis included Chi square tests and multiple logistic regression. Care was sought at the AIDS stage in 56.7% (861) of patients, and 48.2% (732) had a CD4 count ≤350 cells/mm(3); 9% (136) delayed seeking care for 6months or more after a positive HIV test. Women sought medical care earlier after testing (odds ratio (OR)=1.79; P=0.0227), but were already symptomatic (OR=1.90; P=0.0004). Partners of seropositive patients (OR=3.92; P=0.0000) also sought care symptomatic. Reasons for late presentation for care were non-acceptance of HIV diagnosis (OR=24.56; P=0.0000), treatment refusal (OR=55.34; P=0.0000), and physical disability (OR=1.90; P=0.0414). Necessary strategies for HIV treatment and prevention include improved education and access to services.
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