Engagement and retention in HIV care in rural Southern U.S. using an All-Payer Claims Database.

ABSTRACT: Access to HIV care is a persistent challenge in rural settings. Arkansas has one of the highest proportions of rural residents in the U.S., yet data on statewide engagement and retention in HIV care are limited. This study used the Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database (APCD), a longitudinal database of medical, pharmacy, and enrollment claims from Medicaid and most commercial insurers, to evaluate the HIV care continuum and spatial access to providers. We identified people living with HIV (PLWH) from 2013-2017 using an algorithm requiring ≥2 HIV diagnosis claims or ≥1 prescription for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Engagement in care was defined as ≥1 CD4 or viral load (VL) test in a calendar year, while retention was defined as ≥2 tests in a year. Geospatial accessibility to HIV care at the

SUBMITTER: Tao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12753065 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature