Understanding the disparity: Predictors of virologic failure in women using highly active antiretroviral therapy vary by race and/or ethnicity

Allison M. McFall, David W. Dowdy, Carla E. Zelaya, Kerry Murphy, Tracey E. Wilson, Mary A. Young, Monica Gandhi, Mardge H. Cohen, Elizabeth T. Golub, Keri N. Althoff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Stark racial/ethnic disparities in health outcomes exist among those living with HIV in the United States. One of 3 primary goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy is to reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities. METHODS:: Using data from HIV-infected women participating in the Women's Interagency HIV Study from April 2006 to March 2011, we measured virologic failure (HIV RNA >200 copies/mL) after suppression (HIV RNA < 80 copies/mL) on highly active antiretroviral therapy. We identified predictors of virologic failure using discrete time survival analysis and calculated racial/ethnic-specific population-attributable fractions (PAFs). RESULTS:: Of 887 eligible women, 408 (46%) experienced virologic failure during the study period. Hispanic and white women had significantly lower hazards of virologic failure than African American women [Hispanic hazard ratio, (HR) = 0.8, 95% confidence interval: (0.6 to 0.9); white HR = 0.7 (0.5 to 0.9)]. The PAF of virologic failure associated with low income was higher in Hispanic [adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) = 2.2 (0.7 to 6.5), PAF = 49%] and African American women [aHR = 1.8 (1.1 to 3.2), PAF = 38%] than among white women [aHR = 1.4 (0.6 to 3.4), PAF = 16%]. Lack of health insurance compared with public health insurance was associated with virologic failure only among Hispanic [aHR = 2.0 (0.9 to 4.6), PAF = 22%] and white women [aHR = 1.9 (0.7 to 5.1), PAF = 13%]. By contrast, depressive symptoms were associated with virologic failure only among African-American women [aHR = 1.6 (1.2 to 2.2), PAF = 17%]. CONCLUSIONS:: In this population of treated HIV-infected women, virologic failure was common, and correlates of virologic failure varied by race/ethnicity. Strategies to reduce disparities in HIV treatment outcomes by race/ethnicity should address racial/ethnic-specific barriers including depression and low income to sustain virologic suppression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)289-298
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Volume64
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2013

Keywords

  • HAART
  • HIV
  • disparities
  • race/ethnicity
  • virologic failure
  • women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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