"In this study, risk factors for missed visits for HIV medical care differed according to age group, and the strongest predictors in each age group were related to socioeconomic status," the research notes. "Missed visits for HIV medical care were associated with lower educational level in subjects aged 20-34 years, low income and receipt of National Health Insurance in subjects aged 35-49 years, and receipt of National Medical Aid in subjects aged 50 years or older."

The study also notes that relative youth (20-34 years) was a strong predictor of missed visits. "Younger HIV patients might be more non-adherent to medical care due to lower perceived susceptibility to sickness compared with older patients," it said.

Another discovery was that missed visits were more frequent among those who were subscribed to National Health Insurance compared to National Medical Aid.

Of one possible reason for this the study stated, "Whereas National Medical Aid beneficiaries are offered free-of-charge HIV treatment without a deductible, HIV patients who are National Health Insurance beneficiaries pay a deductible and are reimbursed by the government several months later." (Yonhap)