Risk Factors for HIV Disease Progression in a Rural Southwest American Indian Population

摘要

Objectives. Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression among American Indians (Als) have been poorly characterized. We assessed the impact of socioeconomic factors and use of traditional healing on HIV disease progression in a rural Al community.Methods. From January 2004 through December 2006, we interviewed 36 HIV-positive Als regarding their socioeconomic status, incarceration, and use of traditional healing. We also collected chart-abstracted adherence and substance-abuse data. Through bivariate analysis, we compared these factors with the CD4-cell counts and log HIV-1 viral loads (VLs). Using a simple regression model, we assessed interactions between the significant associations and the outcome.Results. Participant characteristics included being male (58.3%), being trans-gender (13.9%), having ever been incarcerated (63.9%), having a household income of