Stewart SA; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. TuPeD4980.

The Center for Drug Free Living, Orlando, Florida 32806, United States

Background: Adults who are homeless have been shown to identify priorities in dealing with health that are not directly health related (Stewart, 1999). While adults who are homeless and have been diagnosed with HIV-AIDS represent a significant subset of this population, there is little direct research on the individual experience of dealing with their unique health concerns. In a second phase study within a program of research, adults with HIV-AIDS were sampled. Method: Adults who self-identified as homeless and diagnosed with HIV-AIDS were interviewed. The research question was "What is it like for you to deal with health". Phenomenologic themes were developed using constant-comparative/hermeneutic analysis. Results: The experience of dealing with health was verbalized as a focus of activity for most of these persons. Among themes identified are: provision of medication, securing appropriate food, avoiding those perceived to be ill, and providing for personal safety and medication security. These foci differ from or add to those of the general population of homeless adults who prioritize basic survival rather than health/medical needs. Recommendations: 1. Education for providers of services for adults who are homeless about the priorities of the HIV-AIDS population. Awareness of the themes identified in this study provides a guideline for the provision of health care focused services on a presumptive basis regardless of self-disclosure of HIV-AIDS status. 2. Systematic identification of individual perspectives in dealing with health. In addition to interviews, the use of a survey tool to identify priorities may be useful. 3. Service provision based on individually communicated need rather than provider perception or standard sets, enhancing the efficient utilization of resources. Individuation of services based on self-identified health related foci will direct services to the growing numbers of adults who are homeless and diagnosed with HIV-AIDS.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Adult
• Demography
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Services
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Interpersonal Relations
• Interviews as Topic
• Research

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0038574

UI: 102282790

From Meeting Abstracts