Original Article

Demographic Characteristics and Behavioral Risk Factors of HIV Infection and Association with Survival Among Individuals 50 Years or Older

Authors: Eren Youmans, PhD, MPH, Avnish Tripathi, MD, MPH, James J. Gibson, MD, MPH, Terri Stephens, MSPH, Wayne A. Duffus, MD, PhD

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association of socio-behavioral characteristics and viro-immunological status with survival in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals by age in South Carolina (SC).


Methods: Logistic regression was used to compare the characteristics of individuals' ≥50 years old to individuals 20-49 years old at HIV diagnosis who were reported to SC enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) from January 1998 to December 2009. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the time to death after HIV diagnosis over the study period.


Results: Of the 7531 participants, 1204 (16%) were ≥50 years old. Multivariable analyses suggested that individuals ≥50 years old were more likely to have simultaneous AIDS (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.54-2.10). For individuals ≥50 years old, the risk of death was more than three times when compared to the younger age group (HR: 3.46, 95% CI 2.27, 5.30).


Conclusion: Routine HIV screening may decrease late-stage diagnosis and improved linkage to care may decrease mortality in older adults.

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