Original Studies

Previously Diagnosed HIV-Positive Persons: The Role of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–Funded HIV Testing Programs in Addressing Their Needs

Seth, Puja PhD; Wang, Guoshen MS; Belcher, Lisa PhD

Author Information

From the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Samuel Dooley, MD, and the Prevention Program Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for monitoring the HIV testing programs.

Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conflicts of Interest and Sources of Funding: None declared.

Correspondence: Puja Seth, PhD, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341. E-mail: [email protected].

Received for publication July 25, 2017, and accepted November 19, 2017.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases 45(6):p 377-381, June 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000766

Background 

Increased HIV testing efforts have resulted in retesting previously diagnosed persons. This study examined Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded HIV testing programs to evaluate how the needs of previously diagnosed persons are being addressed.

Methods 

The following were examined by demographic and test setting among previously diagnosed HIV-positive persons in 2015: CDC-funded HIV testing, previously diagnosed HIV positivity, current care status, and linkage to care. In addition, trends of HIV positivity and previously diagnosed HIV-positivity were examined from 2011 to 2015.

Results 

In 2015, CDC funded 3,026,074 HIV tests, and 27,729 were HIV-positive tests. Of those, 13,528 (48.8%) were previously diagnosed persons. Only 11.6% of previously diagnosed persons reported already being in HIV care; after excluding them, 62.1% of previously diagnosed persons were linked within 90 days. In addition, the percentage of previously diagnosed persons steadily increased from 2011 (25.9%) to 2015 (34.1%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions 

Almost half of all HIV-positive tests were among previously diagnosed persons, but only 11.6% were already in HIV care. Linkage is necessary among persons who already know their HIV status because they either were never linked or need to be reengaged into care. Barriers in linkage and retention among this group also need to be addressed.

Copyright © 2017 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association All rights reserved.

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