 Back to Annual Meeting
|
|
Back to Annual Meeting
|
APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing |
Abstract #158176
Audio (mp3) recordingCarol Tobias, MMHS1, Serena Rajabiun, MPH1, Sharon M. Coleman, MS, MPH2, and Howard Cabral, PhD2. (1) Health and Disability Working Group, Boston University School of Public Health, 374 Congress Street, Suite 502, Boston, MA 02210, 617-426-4447, ext. 11, tcarol@bu.edu, (2) School of Public Health, Boston University, 374 Congress Street, Suite 502, Boston, MA 02110
Background: Many people living with HIV (PLWHA) experience oral manifestations of HIV disease that can lead to poor health status. Yet, studies have shown that unmet need for dental care for PLWHA is greater than medical care. We examined the factors associated with unmet need for dental care among underserved, hard to reach PLWHA enrolled in interventions to engage them in HIV care. Methods: A longitudinal survey was conducted among PLWHA at risk for not engaging in HIV medical care from ten urban community and clinic-based sites. Measures included socio-demographics, drug use, mental health status, health care utilization, and unmet needs for dental care and support services. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with unmet need for dental care. McNemar chi-square test was conducted to assess the changes in unmet need for dental care. Results: Dental care (70%) was the most frequently reported service need compared to transportation, mental health treatment, financial assistance, food and benefits. Factors significantly associated with unmet need for dental care included being uninsured and poor mental health status. Conclusions: Dental care is a significant need among hard to reach, underserved PLWHA. However, this need is less likely to be addressed compared to other support services and medical care needs. This study highlights the importance of promoting strategies to improve access to dental care among underserved PLWHA within the continuum of HIV care.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the factors associated with unmet need for dental care among underserved, hard to reach people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Discuss program strategies to improve access to HIV oral health care for underserved populations.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Oral Health Needs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
The 135th APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of APHA