Cent Eur J Public Health 2026, 34(1):22-27 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a8538

Early diagnosis and risk groups: comorbidities in newly diagnosed adults with HIV in Turkey

Şemsi Nur Karabela, Fatma Bayrak Erdem, Esra Canbolat Ünlü, Beyza Kaplan Yapar, Sevtap Şenoğlu, Habip Gedik, Kadriye Kart Yaşar

Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the early diagnosis of HIV in Turkey, with a particular focus on high-risk populations, comorbid conditions, and temporal trends. It also evaluated whether initial clinical findings could inform the expansion of screening strategies.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,703 individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who attended our clinic between 2004 and 2023. Patients were grouped into five-year intervals and assessed based on demographic characteristics, reasons for testing, and reported comorbidities.

Results: Among the participants, 90.3% were males, with a mean age of 36.6 years. Of those who disclosed their sexual orientation, 46.8% identified as heterosexual. Common comorbidities included anal region disorders, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and syphilis. HBsAg positivity was 5%, and anti-HCV positivity was 0.86%. Nearly half of the patients (48.6%) were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Physician-initiated testing and routine screenings played a significant role in early detection.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of HIV is essential for reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes. Screening programmes should be expanded to include not only high-risk groups but also sexually active individuals presenting with relevant clinical symptoms. Public health efforts must address stigma and improve access to HIV testing to optimize early detection and treatment.

Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus, early diagnosis, HIV testing strategies, high-risk populations, comorbidities

Received: January 29, 2025; Revised: November 3, 2025; Accepted: November 3, 2025; Published: March 31, 2026  Show citation