The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66084

Kenneth C. Hergenrather, PhD, MSEd, MRC, CRC¹, Scott D. Rhodes, PhD, MPH, CHES², Glenn Clark, MSW, LICSW³, and Robyn L. Crowell¹. (1) Department of Counseling/Human and Organizational Studies, The George Washington University, 2134 G Street, NW, #318, Washington, DC 20052, 202/994-1334, hergenkc@gwu.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior and Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, 323C Rosenau Hall, Campus Box #7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440, (3) Acting Director of Behavioral, Health, and Social Services, Whitman-Walker Clinic, 1701 14th ST. NW., Washington, DC 20009

Background: For individuals living with HIV/AIDS, employment has been reported as one of the most significant contributions to successfully living with their illness. In the US, health-enhancing protease inhibitors have contributed to the increase of individuals living with HIV/AIDS who seek services to enter or re-enter the workplace. This study was developed to explore the psychosocial factors that may affect successful job placement for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods: This study uses a theory-based, qualitative approach to explore the psychosocial factors of job placement among a sample of individuals living with HIV/AIDS receiving medical services at the Whitman-Walker Clinic in Washington, DC. The focus group moderator guide was developed within the guidelines of the theory of planned behavior, addressing individual behavioral, normative, and control beliefs toward employment.

Results: A total of 48 individuals, between the ages 21 and 58, participated in one of six focus groups. Among the findings of this study, participants identified: (a) the impact of employment upon their health, eligibility for financial assistance, family role, and sense of self; (b) individuals and support systems most influential in their decision to work; (c) facilitators and barriers to: develop job seeking skills, secure childcare, obtain transportation, and maintain current levels of financial assistance and medical care; and (d) the need for appropriate job placement services.

Conclusions: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS held beliefs supporting the value of work in their lives; identified significant family members as influential; and reported control beliefs addressing job skills, job benefits, childcare, and transportation. Interventions to enhance job placement services also will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objectives:
• At the conclusion of the session,the participant (learner) will be able to:
• 1.Describe the perceived outcomes to employment as identified by individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• 2.Identify the perceived facilitators and barriers for inividuals living with HIV/AIDS to enter or re-enter the workplace.
• 3.Evaluate the applicability of the theory of planned behavior for assessing the issues of employment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• 4.Discuss these findings in terms of future research and intervention development and evaluation.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Disability Studies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.