Exploring HIV care disparities among foreigners in Taiwan: Insights from a multicenter study (2017-2023).
Journal
IJID regions
Journal Volume
18
Start Page
Article number 100857
ISSN
2772-7076
Date Issued
2026-03
Author(s)
Huang, Sung-Hsi
Chang, Shu-Ying
Liou, Bo-Huang
Yang, Chia-Jui
Lu, Po-Liang
Lin, Luo-Wei
Lee, Mei-Hui
Wu, Pei-Ying
Lin, Chi-Ying
Shih, Chung-Yu
Tsai, Mao-Song
Wang, Pei-Yu
Lee, Yuan-Ti
Cheng, Chien-Yu
Cheng, Shu-Hsing
Abstract
Objectives The proportion of foreigners among newly diagnosed people with HIV in Taiwan has steadily increased. We evaluated HIV care quality indices among foreigners with HIV (FWH) and explored associated factors. Methods FWH who first sought care at 10 Taiwanese hospitals between 2017 and 2023 were included. Information on AIDS at presentation, antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription, care retention, and viral suppression was collected. Factors associated with these indices were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Results We included 144 FWH (median age of 32 years); 74.3% were from Southeast Asia. Overall, 58.3% remained in care at 1 year. Among 94 ART-naïve individuals, 47.9% presented with AIDS and 83.0% initiated ART; however, only 42.6% achieved viral suppression at 1 year. In multivariable analysis, white-collar occupations (vs blue-collar or unemployed) were associated with ART initiation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.481), while opportunistic infections decreased the odds (aOR, 0.284). ART prescription predicted care retention (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.03), and government-subsidized ART (vs self-funded ART) was linked to higher viral suppression rates (aOR, 3.817). Conclusions Substantial gaps in the HIV care cascade were observed among FWH in Taiwan. Strategies to promote earlier diagnosis and improve care retention are urgently needed.
Subjects
Antiretroviral therapy
Care continuum
HIV
Migrant health
Retention in care
Viral suppression
Type
journal article