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

Abstract #71126

Wendy L. Nelson, MSW¹, Tim Brittingham, MSW¹, and Wendy M. McGuckin, MBA, MPH². (1) School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, 1005 S. Jenkins, Rhyne Hall, Norman, OK 73019, (2) Infectious Diseases Institute, Ryan White Programs, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L. Young Blvd., WP 1160, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (405) 271-8001 ext.54384, wendy-mcguckin@ouhsc.edu

Individuals with HIV residing in rural communities face unique and amplified barriers when seeking medical care as compared to those in urban communities. This HRSA Ryan White CARE Act Title III Early Intervention Services Planning Grant assessed the need for HIV primary medical care in Southwest Oklahoma. Participants included HIV+ individuals and their families, physicians, and social service agencies. Data collection methods consisted of focus groups, interviews, and patient surveys. Findings indicate the existence of barriers such as lack of patient confidentiality, limited access to specialized care, and travel distance to medical providers. The study discusses critical elements in establishing HIV care in rural environments, focusing on the following: 1) service needs and priorities, 2) service gaps, 3) barriers to accessing medical and social services, and 4) community and provider support for services. Finally, the study identifies the necessary components to effective HIV medical service delivery in a rural community.

Learning Objectives:

• • Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to needs assessments for HIV/AIDS services in rural communities.
• • Describe social and geographical issues that affect the delivery of HIV/AIDS medical and social services to rural communities.
• • Develop a framework to support general practice physicians who are willing to provide HIV care in rural communities.

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.