The prevalence of people who inject drugs among those with HIV late presentation: a meta-analysis

Early detection of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome allows infected people to use prophylaxis against opportunistic infections and beginning immediate treatment for secondary complications. People who receive treatment benefit from increased social support and, more crucially, change their behaviour to prevent the virus from spreading to others. One of the most major methods of HIV transmission is through medication injections, and this group is responsible for the spread of HIV since they are ignorant of their illness. The coexistence of HIV and other opportunistic infections and illnesses in persons who inject drugs (PWID) increases healthcare expenses and is linked to high morbidity and death rates. Early HIV identification among PWID is critical for preventing and controlling the disease's spread.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PWID among those with late presentation (LP). The required keywords were searched in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Aside from the prevalence statistics for PWID among LP, the other outcomes of interest were LP defined as having a CD4 count of 350 cells/L or HIV at the time of diagnosis, or severe illness defined as having a CD4 level of 200 cells/L or HIV.

Only eight of the 160 studies examined matched the inclusion criteria. 36.5 percent of individuals who arrived late had PWID (95 percent CI = 24.88–48.17). HIV-infected PWID had a greater risk of LP than men who have sex with men (MSM) [OR = 1.51; 95 % CI = 0.96–2.06].

The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate that PWID have a significant prevalence of HIV late presentation. In this group, late presentation leads to increased disease progression and poorer outcomes. Development of interventions for significant factors associated with LP among HIV-infected PWID is recommended.