Late Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: Role of Socio-Behavioral Factors and Medical Encounters

Background/Purpose: Despite provision of free-of-charge human immunodeficiency virus HIV care and antiretroviral therapy in Taiwan, a substantial proportion of patients experience late HIV diagnosis. We investigated the risk factors for late HIV diagnosis in Taiwan. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted among newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients to collect data on demographics, socio -behavioral variables and clinical profiles within 1 year preceding HIV diagnosis from August 2006 to July 2008. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with missed opportunities for HIV testing and late HIV diagnosis