Barriers to HIV Care Continuum: Research Uncovers Individual, Structural, and Systemic Obstacles

Strategic Insights -

Research has shed light on the complexities surrounding the HIV care continuum, highlighting multiple barriers that hinder retention in care, including structural, systemic, and individual factors. A recent study conducted at the NOVA Southeastern University examined individuals living with HIV (PLH) who had detectable HIV-1 viral loads, with the goal of identifying factors associated with achieving virologic suppression. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and healthcare utilization data, the study found that structured follow-up and timely antiretroviral therapy (ART) interventions may support better outcomes for PLH with detectable viral loads.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified multiple barriers hindering retention in the HIV care continuum, including structural, systemic, and individual factors.
  • The research focused on individuals living with HIV (PLH) who had detectable HIV-1 viral loads, and aimed to identify factors associated with achieving virologic suppression.
  • The study collected demographic, clinical, and healthcare utilization data from PLH in the health system, with at least one detectable viral load (HIV RNA > 200 copies/mL) and at least one clinical encounter during the study period (January 1, 2021, to August 31, 2023).
  • The research concluded that structured follow-up and timely ART interventions may support better outcomes for PLH with detectable viral loads.
  • The study strived to evaluate linkage to care among patients with HIV viremia in Los Angeles, California, and shed light on the importance of addressing systemic and individual barriers to improve HIV care outcomes.
  • The research was peer-reviewed and published in the journal Cureus.

Statistics:

  • 2021-2023: The study period during which PLH with detectable viral loads were tracked and analyzed.
  • 200 copies/mL: The HIV RNA virus load threshold used to determine detectable viral loads among PLH.
  • 17(9): The volume and issue number of the Cureus journal where the research was published.
  • 166: The page number of the AIDS Weekly article reporting on the research.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research Conducted at NOVA Southeastern University Has Updated Our Knowledge about HIV/AIDS (Evaluating Linkage to Care Among Patients With HIV Viremia in Los Angeles, California). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 166.