The reasons for providing HIV testing in patients with newly-diagnosed HIV infection in Lodz region, Poland in the years 2009-2017

Abstract

Early diagnosis increases life expectancy in HIV-infected patients. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for HIV testing in newly-diagnosed patients with HIV registered in Lodz, Poland in years 2009-2017. The study examines also whether HIV testing was performed following the recommendation of physicians or at the request of patients. Results: The study group consisted of 401 (83.72%) males and 78 (16.28%) females. The median age at the moment of diagnosis was 33 years (LQ 27-UQ 40). In total, 285 (62.91%) patients were late presenters. Clinical indications constituted the main reason for undergoing HIV testing and were reported in 228 out of 479 patients (47.59%) including AIDS-defining diseases were a reason for HIV testing in 105 patients. Thirty-four patients underwent HIV testing following diagnosis of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs); in 91.18% of these cases the STDs was syphilis. However, high-risk sexual contact was the main reason for HIV testing in asymptomatic patients (160 of 257 cases; 62.27%). Patients in the non-AIDS group were significantly more likely to take the initiative to order an HIV test than patients in the AIDS group (p<0.0001). Conclusions: In conclusion, in the Lodz region, patients with HIV infection are most commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage of infection. This may be associated with the low number of HIV tests performed following the doctors recommendation.