Individual and structural factors influencing HIV care linkage and engagement: Perceived barriers and solutions among HIV-positive persons. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Alice; Chambers, Brittany D.; Jenkins Hall, Wendasha; Tanner, Amanda E.; Piper, Crystal N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of HIV/AIDS & social services. Volume 16:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Care engagement -- care linkage -- health care access -- HIV -- qualitative methods; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for -- Periodicals; 362.1969792005
• DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2015.1107799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1538-1501

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To meet the National HIV/AIDS Strategy's goals of reducing and preventing HIV transmission, understanding factors that shape HIV-positive persons' care-seeking behaviors is critical. Accordingly, this study examined factors that affect HIV care linkage and engagement. Six focus groups were conducted with 33 HIV-positive persons living in North Carolina. A variety of factors influenced care behaviors, including: structural and policy factors, relationship with HIV care systems, and individuals' personal characteristics. Participants also provided solutions for addressing specific factors to care. Improving clinical services and utilizing context-specific strategies can help facilitate greater care linkage and engagement.