HIV/AIDS and Associated Conditions among HIV-Infected Refugees in Minnesota, 2000–2007

Sara A. Lowther, Glenise Johnson, Brett Hendel-Paterson, Kailey Nelson, Blain Mamo, Kristina Krohn, Luisa Pessoa-Brandão, Ann O'Fallon and William Stauffer
Additional contact information
Sara A. Lowther: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS A-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
Glenise Johnson: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA
Brett Hendel-Paterson: Department of Medicine—Global Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Kailey Nelson: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA
Blain Mamo: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA
Kristina Krohn: Department of Medicine—Global Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Luisa Pessoa-Brandão: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA
Ann O'Fallon: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA
William Stauffer: Department of Medicine—Global Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

IJERPH, 2012, vol. 9, issue 11, 1-13

Abstract: In 2010, the requirement for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of adult refugees prior to US resettlement was removed, thus leading to a potential for missed diagnosis. We reviewed refugee health assessment data and medical charts to evaluate the health status of HIV-infected refugees who arrived in Minnesota during 2000–2007, prior to this 2010 policy change. Among 19,292 resettled adults, 174 were HIV-infected; 169 (97%) were African (median age 26.4 (range: 17–76) years). Charts were abstracted for 157 (124 (79%) with ?1 year of follow-up). At initial presentation, two of 74 (3%) women were pregnant; 27% became pregnant during follow-up. HIV clinical stage varied (59%, asymptomatic; 11%, mild symptoms; 10%, advanced symptoms; 3%, severe symptoms; 17%, unknown); coinfections were common (51 tuberculosis, 13 hepatitis B, 13 parasites, four syphilis). Prior to arrival 4% had received antiretrovirals. Opportunistic infections were diagnosed among 13%; 2% died from AIDS-related causes. Arrival screening may be needed to identify these HIV-infected refugees and prevent HIV-related morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: HIV; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; refugees; emigration and immigration; epidemiology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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