Factors Associated with Late Engagement to HIV Care in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Late presentation of patients contributes significantly to the high mortality reported in HIV -care and treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess factors associated with late engagement to HIV care at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare in western Kenya. Late engagement was defined as baseline CD4 ≤100 cells/mm³.

Results: Of the 10 533 participants included in the analysis, 67% were female and mean age was 36.7 years. Overall, 23% of the participants presented late. Factors associated with late engagement included male gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.75), older age (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02-2.56), and longer travel time to clinic (AOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04-1.34).

Conclusion: Nearly one-quarter of HIV-infected patients in our setting present with advanced immune suppression at initial encounter. Being male, older age, and living further away from clinic are associated with late engagement to care.

Keywords: HIV; advanced immune suppression; late presentation.