Clinical Differences between Black MSM Newly Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia

Background: Black men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be heavily effected by HIV/AIDS among MSM in the District of Columbia (DC). This analysis investigates clinical disparities among Black newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in DC.

Methods: Data from the enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) were analyzed from 2005 to 2009. Age at diagnosis, late testing and retention in care were evaluated. Data was stratified by time to linkage to care. Late testing was defined as an AIDS diagnosis less than a year after HIV diagnosis. Retention in care was defined as having at least two laboratory tests 3 months apart within 12 months of initial linkage. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

Results: From 2005-2009, 1,112 Black MSM were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, of which, 59.2% were liked to care <3 months and 40.8% were linked care ≥3 month after HIV diagnosis. Compared to Black MSM linked to care ≥3 months after diagnosis, Black MSM diagnosed within 3 months of diagnosis were more likely to be under the age of 30 (OR: 1.36, CI: 1.06-1.74) and more likely to be late testers (OR: 4.88 CI: 3.38-7.04).There was no difference between groups in retention in care.

Discussion: This analysis shows the clinical disparities among Black MSM and time to linkage to care. Though Black MSM in later stages of HIV disease are more likely to be linked to care within 3 months of diagnosis, further research is needed to understand barriers to HIV testing among Black MSM.