Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with presentation for care with CD4 cell count ≥ 500/ mm3, n=627) patients were included between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 2009. Factors associated with late presentation (CD4 count <200 cells/μL) were assessed using descriptive statistics and ordered multivariable logistic regression. Results: At the time of diagnosis, 40.21% of patients had than less 200 CD4 lymphocytes/mm3. Age older than 30 years OR: 1.55[1.14-2.10], p=0.005, male gender OR: 1.83[1.58-2.12], p<0.0001, access to care before 1992 OR: 1.56[1.03-2.02], p=0.038 and alcohol use OR: 8.80[2.26-34.36], p=0.002 were independently associated with a low CD4 cell count. Conclusion: The findings of this study (underline the need to expand HIV testing beyond the usual facilities) may be of value in helping to achieve earlier access to treatment in HIV-infected patients in order to minimize the individual risk of morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
After Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean is the world’s region most affected by HIV/AIDS
The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with presentation for care with CD4 cell count
The factors associated with presentation for care with CD4
Summary
After Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean is the world’s region most affected by HIV/AIDS. The French-American Departments (Guadeloupe Martinique, Guiana), FAD, are located in the heart of this region. Lower than in other states of the Caribbean, AIDS incidence is much higher than in mainland France (up to four times more in Guadeloupe) [1,2]. Guadeloupe is part of the French overseas territories, which has the largest number of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Transmission is mostly heterosexual, and the proportion of women infected is high, almost half of all those infected. In Guadeloupe a large proportion of patients are foreigners (mainly from Haiti). Antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality and morbidity in HIV-infected individuals most markedly when initiated early, before advanced immunodeficiency has developed. Late presentation for diagnosis and care remains a significant challenge
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
