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.
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.