Systemic Delays in the Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy for Clinically Eligible HIV-Infected Patients in Houston Texas

摘要

Background:The current US HIV treatment guidelines support initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for persons with HIV for personal health benefits and prevention of HIV transmission. However, high levels of adherence to ART are critical to maximize individual and public health benefits. We examined the nonclinical barriers to ART initiation for clinically eligible individuals and the provider- and patient-related factors associated with these barriers among HIV-infected patients in Houston/Harris County, Texas.