Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between ancillary services and HIV-related clinical and behavioral outcomes. Methods: Data were obtained from databases systematically maintained by the Family Advocacy, Care and Education Services (FACES) Program and the HIV Outpatient Program (HOP), in New Orleans. HIV-infected women receiving primary care at HOP and FACES ancillary services between 1/1/97 and 12/31/98 were eligible. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with STATA software. Results: The majority of eligible women were African-American (86.7%), infected heterosexually (78.8%), and had absolute CD4 counts greater than 200 (58.6%). After adjusting for confounders, receiving more than four total contacts or services per month was significantly associated with being prescribed a protease inhibitor (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.25-2.66); improved adherence (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.39-3.33); improved retention (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.84-4.19); one or more hospitalizations per month (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.44-4.26); and enrolling on a research protocol (OR 9.70, 95% CI 3.58-26.32). Receiving more than one transportation service per month was significantly associated with improved adherence (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.56-4.76); improved retention (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.79-5.24); one or more emergency room visits per month (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.75-7.62); and one or more hospitalizations per month (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.52-4.86). Receiving more than one contact with case managers per month was associated with improved retention (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.60-4.32). Conclusion: Receipt of ancillary services is associated with improvements in multiple outcomes for high risk, HIV-infected women.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Social Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.