Recent trends in hospital utilization and mortality for HIV infection: 2000-2005

Ethnic minority populations have been disproportionately affected by the HIV disease. The objective of this report was to assess the prevalence and trend of HIV-related hospitalization and mortality in Florida in 2000 through 2005 by 6 sex- race/ethnic groups.

Using data from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration from 2000 through 2005, discharge records with primary or secondary diagnosis of HIV infection were included, and chi2 and Cochran-Armitage tests and multiple regression models were used in analyses.

Of all HIV-related hospitalizations (N = 159695), about 56%, 28%, and 12% of records belonged to blacks, whites, and Hispanics, respectively. The average proportions of HIV hospitalization during the period of 2000-2005 were approximately 29% (black male), 27% (black female), 22% (white male), 9% (Hispanic male), 6% (white female), and 3% (Hispanic female) (all p < .01). The frequencies of death were the highest among black males followed by black females, white males, Hispanic males, white females, and Hispanic females.

Sex-racial/ethnic disparities are evident in the HIV-related hospital utilizations and deaths. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for the disparities among hospitalized patients to reduce both health and economic consequences associated with HIV disease in Florida.