Prevalence of late diagnosis of HIV infection

Prevalence of late diagnosis (LD) and identifying missed opportunities.

Retrospective observational study of new HIV diagnoses between 2013 and 2018 in our referral area. Sociodemographic and clinical-analytical variables were analysed at the time of diagnosis. The patient's clinical history in the last 5 years before the HIV diagnoses was reviewed to identify missed opportunities for early diagnosis.

Seventy-four patients were included. The prevalence of LD was 44.6%, and 23% as an advanced disease. A tendency for LD was observed in patients older than 40 years, especially among Spaniards. Being tested 11for HIV protected against LD. All patients who had previous contact with the health system had clinical indicators or risk factors associated with HIV, but only 50% had ever been tested in their lifetime of HIV.

In spite of multiple contacts with our health system, almost half of the new cases of HIV infection are diagnosticated late. Different strategies should be implemented to improve the identification of the risk factors and clinical indicators of possible HIV infection.