Disparities in engagement in care and viral suppression among persons with HIV

BACKGROUND: Engagement across the spectrum of HIV care can improve health outcomes and prevent HIV transmission. We used HIV surveillance data to examine these outcomes. METHODS: San Francisco residents who were diagnosed with HIV between 2009 and 2010 were included. We measured the characteristics and proportion of persons linked to care within 6 months of diagnosis, retained in care for second and third visits, and virally suppressed within 12 months of diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 862 persons included, 750 (87%) entered care within 6 months of diagnosis; of these, 72% had a second visit in the following 3-6 months; and of these, 80% had a third visit in the following 3-6 months. Viral suppression was achieved in 50% of the total population and in 76% of those retained for 3 visits. Lack of health insurance and unknown housing status were associated with not entering care (P < 0.01). Persons with unknown insurance status were less likely to be retained for a second visit; those younger than 30 years were less likely to be retained for a third visit. Independent predictors of failed viral suppression included age <40 years, homelessness, unknown housing status, and having a single or 2 medical visits compared with 3 visits. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic resources and age, not race or gender, are associated with disparities in engagement in HIV care in San Francisco.