Sociodemographic, Ecological, and Spatiotemporal Factors Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance in Florida: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with resistance to antiretroviral therapy are vulnerable to adverse HIV-related health outcomes and can contribute to transmission of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) when nonvirally suppressed. The degree to which HIVDR contributes to disease burden in Florida-the US state with the highest HIV incidence- is unknown.

Methods: We explored sociodemographic, ecological, and spatiotemporal associations of HIVDR. HIV-1 sequences (n = 34 447) collected during 2012-2017 were obtained from the Florida Department of Health. HIVDR was categorized by resistance class, including resistance to nucleoside reverse-transcriptase , nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase , protease , and integrase inhibitors. Multidrug resistance and transmitted drug resistance were also evaluated. Multivariable fixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to associate individual- and county-level sociodemographic and ecological health indicators with HIVDR.

Results: The HIVDR prevalence was 19.2% (nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance), 29.7% (nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance), 6.6% (protease inhibitor resistance), 23.5% (transmitted drug resistance), 13.2% (multidrug resistance), and 8.2% (integrase strand transfer inhibitor resistance), with significant variation by Florida county. Individuals who were older, black, or acquired HIV through mother-to-child transmission had significantly higher odds of HIVDR. HIVDR was linked to counties with lower socioeconomic status, higher rates of unemployment, and poor mental health.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that HIVDR prevalence is higher in Florida than aggregate North American estimates with significant geographic and socioecological heterogeneity.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy; HIV drug resistance; HIV in the South.