Major welfare policy changes were put in place in 1996 and HIV-positive persons, among others, are deeply affected by new policies and regulations. New antiretroviral medications have been successful in prolonging HIV-positive persons lives and have instigated discussions around their ability to return to the work force. It seems imminent that workfare programs will be expanded to include persons living with the virus. Our presentation discusses the need for work-related services, along with other challenges these people will face when attempting to enter or re-enter the labor market.
Using data from the CHAIN study, a longitudinal study of 967 HIV-positive persons in New York City, we will analyze the factors which facilitate or prohibit their attachment to the labor force. A needs' assessment study of employment and training services will also be conducted. Additionally, an in-depth content analysis of HIV-positive persons' expressed interest in work will allow a better understanding of their readiness for work.
Preliminary analysis has indicated that one quarter of the study participants have expressed an interest in paid employment, however, physical and mental health, among other participants' characteristics, interfere with one's willingness and ability to become gainfully employed. We anticipate that fear of loss of entitlements will play a major role in our analysis, since our data suggest that approximately one fifth of our sample has experienced changes in their benefits, six months prior to being interviewed.
Learning Objectives: During this session, presenters will discuss recent research on need, barriers and interest in employment among persons living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of longitudinal, self-reported data, and the analytical interweaving of quantitative and qualitative data. Consequently, participants will receive useful information for better understanding the impact of work-related policies on the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS
Keywords: Workforce, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Columbia University, School of Public Health, Division of Sociomedical Sciences
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.