INTRODUCTION:
While the incidence of HIV infection and AIDS is increasing in small Brazilian cities, epidemiological studies are often conducted in large urban centers.
METHODS:
Our group conducted a retrospective analysis of survival determinants among 358 patients who attended a reference unit in a small city.
RESULTS:
Death risk was lower among men that had sex with men, patients with an HIV-seropositive partner, and those admitted after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was available.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study documents the striking beneficial effect of HAART. The finding of other groups with improved survival may aid in the development of programmatic strategies.
AIDS; Epidemiology; Survival