System and Patient Barriers to Care among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Houston/Harris County, Texas: HIV Medical Care Providers' Perspectives. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mgbere, Osaro; Khuwaja, Salma; Bell, Tanvir K.; Rodriguez-Barradas, Maria C.; Arafat, Raouf; Essien, Ekere James; Singh, Mamta; Aguilar, Jonathan; Roland, Eric
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 14:Number 6(2015:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 505
• Page End: 515
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- HIV medical care provider -- system barrier -- patient barrier -- Houston/Harris County -- Texas; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957414539045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

In the United States, a considerable number of people diagnosed with HIV are not receiving HIV medical care due to some barriers. Using data from the Medical Monitoring Project survey of HIV medical care providers in Houston/Harris County, Texas, we assessed the HIV medical care providers' perspectives of the system and patient barriers to HIV care experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The study findings indicate that of the 14 HIV care barriers identified, only 1 system barrier and 7 patient barriers were considered of significant ( P ≤ .05) importance, with the proportion of HIV medical care providers' agreement to these barriers ranging from 73.9% (cost of health care) to 100% (lack of social support systems and drug abuse problems). Providers' perception of important system and patient barriers varied significantly ( P ≤ .05) by profession, race/ethnicity, and years of experience in HIV care. To improve access to and for consistent engagement in HIV care, effective intervention programs are needed to address the barriers identified especially in the context of the new health care delivery system.