The impact of HIV-associated lipodystrophy on healthcare utilization and costs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

HIV disease itself is associated with increased healthcare utilization and healthcare expenditures. HIV-infected persons with lipodystrophy have been shown to have poor self-perceptions of health. We evaluated whether lipodystrophy in the HIV-infected population was associated with increased utilization of healthcare services and increased healthcare costs.

Objective

To examine utilization of healthcare services and associated costs with respect to presence of lipodystrophy among HIV-infected patients.

Methods

Healthcare utilization and cost of healthcare services were collected from computerized accounting records for participants in a body image study among HIV-infected patients treated at a tertiary care medical center. Lipodystrophy was assessed by phys

SUBMITTER: Huang JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2478721 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature