Frequency and determinants of use of antiretroviral and prophylactic therapies against Pneumocystic carinii Pneumonia (PCP) before AIDS diagnosis in Italy

To determine the frequency and the determinants of use of antiretroviral drugs and prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP) among HIV-infected individuals before AIDS diagnosis, a questionnaire was sent to all physicians reporting at least one AIDS case during the first six months of 1994 to the Italian National AIDS Registry. Information on cases diagnosed between 1 January and 31 March 1995 was collected. Information was obtained for 878 (66.4%) of the 1323 persons with AIDS: 447 (50.9%) had received antiretroviral drugs and 343 (39.1%) PCP prophylaxis, whereas 303 cases (34.5%) had received both. Individuals who became aware of being HIV-positive shortly before AIDS diagnosis were less likely to have started antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03–0.09). Homosexual men and heterosexuals were more likely to begin therapy (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.83–2.37 and AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.05–3.05, respectively) compared to injecting drug users. Individuals living in Southern Italy and foreigners were less likely to start therapy (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.49–1.16 and AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.15–1.09, respectively) compared to those living in Northern Italy. Results were similar for PCP prophylaxis. Lack of awareness of HIV infection, HIV exposure category, and geographical area were the most important factors associated with treatment before AIDS diagnosis.