Analyzing Knowledge Status and HIV Linkage to Care: Insights From America's HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard (AHEAD) National Database.

Autor:	Ayo-Farai O; Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, USA., Momodu PA; Medicine, International University of the Health Sciences, Basseterre, KNA., Okoye IC; Internal Medicine, Zaporizhzhya State Medical University, Zaporizhzhya, UKR., Ekarika E; Public Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, USA.; Medicine, All Saints University School of Medicine, Roseau, DMA., Okafor IT; Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, NGA., Okobi OE; Family Medicine, Medficient Health Systems, Laurel, USA.; Family Medicine, Lakeside Medical Center, Belle Glade, USA.; Family Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Miami, USA.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Oct 21; Vol. 16 (10), pp. e72034. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 21 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.72034
Abstrakt:	Background: Understanding knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and timely linkage to care are crucial for improving health outcomes among individuals living with HIV. This study analyzes trends in HIV knowledge status and linkage to care using data from America's HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard (AHEAD) National Database. Methods: A retrospective database analysis was conducted utilizing the AHEAD National Database, focusing on individuals diagnosed with HIV from 2017 to 2022. Key variables included knowledge of HIV status and the percentage of individuals who received medical care within one month of diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess trends over the years, while demographic differences were analyzed based on age, gender, race, and transmission risk. Results: The incidence of new HIV infections in the United States has gradually declined from 37,000 in 2017 to 31,800 in 2022. Between 2017 and 2022, the percentage of people with HIV receiving medical care within one month of diagnosis increased from 77.80% to 81.60%. The actual number of individuals linked to care peaked at 27,479 in 2019 but dropped to 23,419 in 2020. However, by 2022, the number had risen to 29,753, reflecting improvements in linkage efforts. Additionally, the number of individuals aware of their positive HIV status increased from 988,546 in 2017 to 1,079,751 in 2022, with the estimated percentage reaching 87.20%. Although this indicates progress in awareness initiatives, the increase remains gradual. Disparities in care linkage across demographics, particularly among younger individuals and racial minorities, highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve overall outcomes and access to care. Conclusions: The findings highlight significant progress in knowledge status and linkage to care among people living with HIV. Despite improvements, achieving the goal of 95% linkage to care by 2025 remains a challenge, particularly for specific demographic groups. Enhanced public health strategies and targeted outreach efforts are essential for addressing these disparities and improving overall health outcomes. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Ayo-Farai et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
Externí odkaz:	Zobrazit plný text záznamu