Background: Enacted in 1990, the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act provides funding to improve the quality and availability of care for individuals and families with HIV/AIDS. Reauthorized in 1996 and 2000, the Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA) consists of four Titles under the direction of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
California’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a recipient of Title II funds, provides drugs to eligible individuals infected with HIV/AIDS who otherwise could not afford them. These drugs prolong the quality of life and delay the deterioration of health. We examined the effectiveness of ADAP in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality, as indicated by decreases in the rate of HIV/AIDS-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Methodology: We matched ADAP data with California hospital discharge files and death certificates. Our data included client demographics, prescription drug use, CD4 counts, and viral load measures.
Results: The results of our study will be available by October. To comply with HRSA’s goal of achieving 100% access and 0% disparity in primary health care, we hope to find:
1. No demographic differences in morbidity and mortality rates among ADAP clients. 2. Clients receiving “preferred” drug treatment (as defined by medical guidelines) will have lower rates and viral loads but higher C4 counts than clients on non-preferred treatments.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe California's ADAP and the RWCA. 2. Assess health outcomes in a publicly funded program. 3. Discuss the effectiveness of California's ADAP.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Outcome Measures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
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.