Late presentation to care for HIV infection in Croatia and the effect of interventions during the Croatian Global Fund Project

AIDS Behav. 2008 Jul;12(4 Suppl):S48-53. doi: 10.1007/s10461-008-9398-9. Epub 2008 May 6.

Abstract

There are limited data on how HIV prevention interventions affect individuals presenting to care in settings with a low-level HIV epidemic. We examined whether interventions undertaken during the Croatian Global Fund Project in 2004-2006 had an influence on patients entering care. The number of men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting in 2004-2006 (n = 86) was 59% higher than in 2001-2003 (n = 54); in heterosexual patients the increase was 14% (n = 51 in 2001-2003; n = 58 in 2004-2006). MSM presented at a younger age (median 32 years) in 2004-2006 than in 2001-2003 (median 36 years). Late presentation to care was found in 28% of MSM and in 59% of heterosexual patients in 2004-2006. MSM were less frequently late presenters in 2004-2006 compared with 2001-2003 (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.99; P = 0.046). Additional strategies for earlier initiation of care must be developed for MSM and particularly for heterosexual patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Croatia
  • Female
  • Financial Support*
  • Global Health*
  • HIV Infections* / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections* / therapy
  • Heterosexuality
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care* / statistics & numerical data
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Time Factors