Sample/Method: Needs assessment surveys were distributed at traditional and non-traditional venues, including support groups, clinics, associations, health centers, jails, street locations frequented by injecting drug users (IDUs), sex workers, and runaways. Over 800 written surveys of people with HIV/AIDS were returned. The study was conducted by the Ryan White Title I HIV Care Services Planning Council in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area in the Spring of 1998. Findings: Services ranked as most needed, in order of priority, were 1) pharmaceuticals 2) case management and other pharmaceuticals (tied) 3) dental care 4) transportation 5) legal assistance and food boxes (tied) and 6) outpatient medical care. People eligible for, but not accessing, services tended to be younger, not taking protease inhibitors, and new to Arizona. The needs of IDUs, people in the poorest health, and people not using services varied the most from the needs of the overall sample. Survey results provided information that helped the Planning Council allocate funds to the highest priority needs, provide targeted services to various groups, and create a plan for locating people who need services but are not currently receiving services.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, session attendees will be able to: 1) Identify the highest priority service needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, 2) Understand the needs of different groups (e.g. people of color, injecting drug users), 3) Profile the people who are eligible for Ryan White HIV Care services but don’t access them, 4) Identify methods for successfully surveying people living with HIV/AIDS.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Phoenix EMA Ryan White Title I HIV Care Services
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I was a paid consultant during the time of the study. I am not currently affiliated with the organization at this time.