Vulnerability factors associated with HIV/AIDS hospitalizations: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Medicine

Background:

• HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern, with hospitalizations indicating disease progression or complications.
• Understanding factors contributing to hospitalization is crucial for improving care and outcomes for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between HIV/AIDS hospitalizations and a combination of individual, social, and programmatic vulnerabilities.
• To identify specific risk and protective factors influencing hospitalization rates among PLHIV.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2014.
• Cases comprised hospitalized PLHIV, while controls were PLHIV outpatients.
• Data on sociodemographic, clinical, and vulnerability factors were collected via interviews and analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Fifty-six cases and 112 controls participated in the study.
• Key risk factors for hospitalization included unemployment, homelessness, non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and irregular clinic attendance.
• Access to social workers was identified as a protective factor against hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Social, individual, and programmatic vulnerabilities significantly impact HIV disease progression and hospitalization risk.
• Interventions addressing these vulnerabilities, particularly enhancing social support, may improve outcomes for PLHIV and reduce hospitalizations.