HIV Care Continuum from diagnosis in a Counseling and Testing Center

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the HIV care continuum from the diagnosis in an HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Center (CTC), and the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics related to gender. Method: Epidemiological study, conducted with data of individuals assisted at a Counseling and Testing Center, and followed in an outpatient clinic for HIV/AIDS. Pearson’s Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to obtain odds ratios, considering alpha value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV among 5,229 users was 5%. The highest chance of positive results was among men, aged 14 to 33 years old, who were not in a domestic partnership. In the analysis of TCD4+ lymphocytes and viral load (VL) of 238 cases, 56.1% had a late diagnosis. We have identified gaps in the care cascade, especially linkage to the care, retention in care, and viral load suppression. Conclusion: The results suggest a late diagnosis for both genders, as well as difficulty in reaching the viral suppression goal.