Delays in seeking HIV care due to competing caregiver responsibilities

Objectives. This study sought to describe the characteristics of HIV-infect ed persons who delay medical care for themselves because they are caring fo r others. Methods. HIV-infected adults (n = 2864) enrolled in the HIV Cost and Servic es Utilization Study (1996-1997) were interviewed. Results. The odds were 1.6 times greater for women than for men to put off care (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 2.2); persons without insurance a nd with CD4 cell counts above 500 were also significantly more likely to pu t off care. Having a child in the household was associated with putting off care (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4. 2.3). Conclusions. Women or individuals with a child in the household should be o ffered services that might allow them to avoid delays in seeking their own medical care.