INDICATORS OF LATENT COURSE OF HIV INFECTION AMONG YOUTH AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING EARLY DETECTION

Abstract

The indicators of the latent course of HIV infection among young people remain one of the pressing challenges facing global healthcare systems. Late diagnosis of HIV leads to a more severe progression of the disease, an increased risk of transmission, and a decline in the effectiveness of epidemiological control. This study analyzes the characteristics of the latent course of HIV infection among youth in Uzbekistan, as well as the epidemiological factors influencing early diagnosis, behavior-related risks, various social determinants, and the low coverage of medical screening. The results indicate that the main factors contributing to the latent course of HIV among young people include low awareness of the disease within the population, insufficient motivation to undergo screening, stigma, denial of risky behaviors, gender-related factors, and inadequate utilization of healthcare services