Very Late Presentation to HIV Care in Ho Chi Minh City: Social Support and Other Associated Factors

Objective: This study highlights factors associated with very late presentation for HIV care in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam.

Methods: Inclusion criteria were: aged≥18 years, being ART-naive, living in HCMC at least for the prior 6 months, and having either CD4<100 cells/µL (very late presentation) or CD4≥350 cells/µL (early presentation).

Results: Of 698 participants, 242 (35%) were very late presenters with a median CD4 count of 35 (IQR: 15–61). In the multivariable logistic regression model, factors associated with the very late presentation were being a self-reported heterosexual male (vs. female, aOR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.3 – 3.6) and being diagnosed with HIV infection at hospitals (vs. those who were aware of their HIV risks, aOR=3.9, 95% CI: 2.6 – 6.1). Participants who had social support were less likely to present late (aOR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.97 – 0.99).

Conclusions: Improving linkages to care is necessary and future studies should pay more attention to the role of social support in this linkage.

 

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