This study addresses the level of healthcare utilization for those dually diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and mental illness.
Data is from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS), that used a national, stratified, random sample for persons (n=2,857 adults) who are HIV positive. A subject was determined to have a mental illness if they scored in the lower half of the "mental health" self-assessment scale (independent variable). Utilization (dependent variable) was measured by use of an emergency room (ER), a hospital stay, or an outpatient visit in the past six months. Demographic variables were also included in the logistic regression model.
Those who were determined to have a dual diagnosis (low mental health score) were more likely to use an ER (44%), more likely to have an inpatient stay (38%), and more likely to have an outpatient visit (27%) in the past six months, than those with high mental health scores. Those with insurance used significantly more services than those without. African-Americans were more likely to use the ER and less likely to use outpatient services than Whites.
The findings suggest that persons dually diagnosed use and need more healthcare services than those who do not have a mental illness, and that early detection and treatment programs are essential among those who are HIV positive. It also appears that African-Americans do not have as much access to outpatient services, and use the high cost ER more frequently. This difference in racial disparity needs further study.
Learning Objectives: Addressing the level of healthcare utilization for those dually diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and mental illness
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.