Factors Associated with HIV Viral Load in a Respondent Driven Sample in Los Angeles.

The impact of HIV on the poor is exacerbated when such individuals are also homeless. This study analyzed associations of homelessness, health care access and utilization, and drug use with undetectable viral load (VL) in a respondent-driven sample. HIV status was measured using saliva, confirmed by blood, and VL counts were obtained on all confirmed seropositives. Of the 576 participants enrolled into a larger study, 168 (29.2%) were infected with HIV, and they reported high rates of health care access and utilization. After adjusting for potential confounders, self-reported homelessness doubled the likelihood of having detectable VL compared to those who were not homeless (OR 2.32; 95%CI 1.02, 5.27). Despite high access and utilization of care, among seropositives, being homeless, having low income, using methamphetamine, or any injection methods was associated with detectable VL. Interventions that address both HIV and methamphetamine use while providing stable housing must be considered. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]