Frequent moves are associated with poor initial engagement in care among people with HIV living in the South, according to results published in AIDS. Aima Ahonkhai, MD, MPH, and colleagues examined the prevalence of mobility and associated patterns among people with HIV in Tennessee and its impact on HIV outcomes. The retrospective cohort study included 17,428 people with HIV (median age, 45), 38% of whom had one or more moves recorded. The median number of miles moved was 8.9. Instate movement occurred between major cities, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, and out-of-state movement went to and from Georgia and Florida. Having one or more in-state moves was associated with a lower likelihood of retention in care (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=0.91), and a higher risk for being lost to follow-up (aRR=1.17 for two to three moves vs none). A longer distance moved in-state was also associated with lower retention in care and higher risk for being lost to follow-up (aRRs=0.53 and 2.52, respectively, for 1,000 vs 0 miles). The researchers reported no association between mobility and viral suppression.
