Evaluation of longitudinal clinical outcomes and adherence to care among HIV-infected refugees.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

BACKGROUND: HIV-infected refugees resettled in the United States face many challenges. Longitudinal data regarding HIV-specific outcomes in this population are limited. METHODS: We reviewed charts of 51 HIV-infected sub-Saharan African refugees matched to 102 nonrefugees. Outcomes analyzed included CD4 counts, viral loads (VLs), antiretroviral treatment (ART) use, appointment adherence, opportunistic infections, and resistance mutations. RESULTS: The ART initiation was similar. Appointment adherence was similar in year 1, but refugees were significantly less adherent beyond year 3. Refugees and nonrefugees spent similar amounts of time in care suppressed (83% vs 80%, P = .93). Refugees had higher odds of viremia following undetectable VL (OR 2.3, P < .05). DISCUSSION: Initially, sub-Saharan African HIV-infected refugees have comparable appointment adherence, ART use, and VL suppression to nonrefugees. Overtime refugees were less adherent to appointments and more likely to have postsuppression viremia. The support services provided to refugees early in care may be important for retention in care and treatment success.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Winston, SE; Montague, BT; Lopez, MJ; Delong, A; Lemarchand, C; Bedoya, A; Gillani, FS; Beckwith, CG

Published Date

  • 2013

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 12 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 202 - 207

PubMed ID

  • 23024042

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3966284

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 2325-9574

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/1545109712459680

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States