Late Diagnosis

Identifying Reasons for Late Diagnosis of HIV: An Academic Community Partnership to Improve Health Outcomes

Investigators: Natalie Wilson (PI); Jae Sevelius (Mentor) 

Late HIV diagnosis is associated with poor treatment outcomes and, in turn, less viral suppression, greater transmission of HIV to those who are not infected, and increased HIV-related morbidity and mortality. The goal of reducing HIV by increasing people’s awareness of their HIV status cannot be achieved without addressing late diagnosis. Given the many individuals who are diagnosed late, the aim of this study is to elucidate the reasons for late diagnosis and to uncover strategies for increasing early detection of HIV. We will interview 20 late-diagnosed individuals and 20 individuals who were not diagnosed late. We will work in partnership with the Alameda County Public Health Department to examine the individual, social, and structural level factors that fuel late HIV diagnosis within a multilevel framework. This study will help us to develop public health strategies to address late diagnosis.