Late Presentation and Missed Opportunities for HIV Diagnosis in Guatemala.

ABSTRACT: Early HIV diagnosis remains a challenge in many regions with delayed diagnosis resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of people living with HIV receiving outpatient care at a large tertiary referral center in Guatemala to describe the proportion of late presenters (LP) and missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis. Of 3686 patients, 2990 (81.1%) were LP who were more likely to be male (60.2% vs. 48.0%, p < 0.0001), heterosexual (88.0% vs. 78.0%, p < 0.0001) and rural dwellers (43.7% vs. 33.8%. p < 0.0001). The proportions of patients who presented late or with AIDS at diagnosis decreased over time. Only 665 patients (18.2%) sought care in the 2 years prior to HIV diagnosis. This study, the first of its kind in Central America to focus on late

SUBMITTER: Melendez J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7397713 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature