International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume 13, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 186-192

HIV infection in refugees: a case-control analysis of refugees in Rhode Island (Article) (Open Access)

Beckwith C.G.* , DeLong A.K. , Desjardins S.F. , Gillani F. , Bazerman L. , Mitty J.A. , Ross H. , Cu-Uvin S.
  • a The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States, The Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, United States
  • b Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
  • c The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
  • d The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
  • e The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
  • f The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States, The Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, United States
  • g The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
  • h The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States, The Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, United States

Abstract

Objectives: The number of HIV-infected refugees entering the USA is increasing. There is little data describing the HIV-infected refugee population and the challenges encountered when caring for them. We performed a retrospective case-control analysis of HIV-infected refugees in order to characterize their co-morbidities, baseline HIV characteristics, and longitudinal care compared to HIV-infected non-refugees. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of HIV-infected refugees and non-refugees who were matched for gender, age, and time of establishment of initial HIV care. Results: The refugee population studied was largely from West Africa. Refugees were more likely than non-refugees to have heterosexual risk for HIV infection, latent tuberculosis infection, and active hepatitis B. Refugees were less likely than non-refugees to have a history of substance use, start antiretrovirals, and be enrolled in a clinical study. The baseline CD4 counts and HIV plasma viral loads were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Clinicians caring for West African HIV-infected refugees should be knowledgeable about likely co-morbidities and the impact of cultural differences on HIV care. Further studies are needed to develop culturally competent HIV treatment, education, and prevention programs for refugees who are beginning a new life in the USA. © 2008 International Society for Infectious Diseases.

Author Keywords

HIV care HIV treatment Refugee HIV infection

Index Keywords

patient care HIV Infections refugee Human immunodeficiency virus infection human Africa, Western comorbidity Refugees Rhode Island Viral Load middle aged controlled study substance abuse RNA, Viral heterosexuality United States Humans male CD4 lymphocyte count female tuberculosis Risk Factors cultural factor Article major clinical study adult infection risk HIV-1 virus load Case-Control Studies retrospective study Delivery of Health Care hepatitis B case control study Anti-HIV Agents
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-60849124799&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijid.2008.06.004&partnerID=40&md5=de89f5f87229232831327371a876eb34
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.06.004
ISSN: 12019712
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English