INTRODUCTIONThe delay in HIV diagnosis has been identified as a significant reason for late presentation to medical care. This research aims to elucidate the significant determinants of late-stage HIV infection in Singapore between 1996 and 2009, after the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe included 3735 patients infected via sexual mode of transmission from the National HIV Registry diagnosed between 1996 and 2009. Late-stage HIV infection is defined as CD4 count less than 200 mm(3) or AIDS-defining opportunistic infections at fi rst diagnosis or within one year of HIV diagnosis. We determined independent epidemiological risk factors for late-stage HIV infection at first diagnosis using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTSMultivariate analysis showed that older age corresponded significantly with increasing odds of late-stage HIV infection. Compared to persons diagnosed at 15 to 24 years of age, those diagnosed at age 55 years and above were associated with 5-fold increased likelihood of late-stage infection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.17; 95% CI, 3.21 to 8.33). Chinese ethnicity, singlehood, and non-professional occupations were also significantly associated with late-stage HIV infection. Persons detected in the course of medical care had over 3.5 times the odds of late-stage infection (AOR: 3.55; 95% CI, 2.71 to 4.65). Heterosexual mode of transmission and having sex workers and social escorts as sexual partners, were the other epidemiological risk factors with significant associations.

CONCLUSIONThe findings of this study emphasises the need to increase HIV awareness and to encourage early and regular HIV testing among at-risk persons.