Factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Grampian
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Grampian: an epidemiological study
IRAS ID
182951
Contact name
Emmanuel Okpo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major global health concern which has resulted in an estimated 39 million deaths world-wide. Although it is now a treatable medical condition there is still avoidable morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection in the UK. Late diagnosis (CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3 within three months of diagnosis or AIDS-defining illness irrespective of CD4 count) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increased risk of transmission, impaired response to antiretroviral therapy and increased healthcare costs. In Grampian, 49% of patients were diagnosed late between 1984 and 2011. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Grampian between 2009 and 2014 to ascertain whether diagnoses could have been made earlier.
The study constitutes a secondary data analysis. Individuals newly diagnosed with HIV between January 2009 and December 2014 will be identified from a Health Protection Scotland (HPS) database. The majority of outcome data will be extracted from the existing HPS database by the researcher (GN). Approval for access to the HPS database has been given by the database gatekeeper (EO). Missing data will be collected by the researcher (GN) via a retrospective review of patient case-notes, laboratory reports and an electronic patient management system (TRAKcare). Patients will be classified as early or late diagnosis and comparisons will be made between the groups using statistical tests. The study will provide a basis for recommendations for improvement of information and services to facilitate earlier HIV diagnosis in Grampian.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
15/NS/0056
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion