BACKGROUND: The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act (RWCA) of 1990 provides emergency assistance to localities that are disproportionately affected by HIV disease. In an on-going study, changes in morbidity for clients receiving Ryan White CARE Act funded services are being examined over time, and thereby exploring the impact of these RWCA services on target populations. METHODOLOGY: We have four contracted provider agencies that will complete chart reviews on 400 clients receiving CARE Act-funded services during 1998 and 1999. Controlling for various demographic variables such as race, gender, age, and HIV risk category, as well as comorbid conditions such as TB, STDs, and substance abuse, we will identify multivariate trends by subpopulation. Morbidity will be operationalized by five different dependent variables: number of non-injury–related emergency room visits, number of days and frequency of hospitalizations for HIV/AIDS-related conditions, CD4 count patterns, viral load count patterns, and frequency of opportunistic infections. RESULTS: Results from this study will be available in September 2000. At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be familiar with the RWCA and its impact on morbidity trends. If significant differences are found, further discussions and program review may lead to program changes to address the varying service needs of Ryan White CARE Act clients.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: Describe the impact of Ryan White CARE Act services on morbidity trends; identify outcome measures for assessing HIV/AIDS morbidity; and understand the potential impact of program outcomes on policy decisions
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.