The HIV epidemic continues to challenge public health. Disparities in service utilization and need of those with HIV are now more evident yet difficult to document. As new HIV treatment modalities change the course of infection from an acute to a chronic health problem, the support needs of the infected individual are also changing. The HIV-positive individual, in addition to the ongoing need for primary and specialized medical care and treatment, experiences increasingly complex public health and social service needs. This paper documents and examines disparities in the utilization and need of public health and social services in a sample of HIV-positive white and black MSM. Method: A 1999 statewide assessment was conducted in Ohio to examine public health and social service need and utilization of individuals living with HIV. Data were obtained from 1417 individuals who completed a comprehensive 120 question survey of service needs, access barriers, and respondent demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Whereas 64% of reported AIDS cases in Ohio are MSM, a subgroup of non-rural MSM (n=567) was analyzed to examine service need and utilization among white (n=385) and African-American (n=182) respondents. Conclusion: This analysis revealed significant differences in demographic categories and disparities in the utilization and need for public health services. While the category of MSM is often considered without regard to racial makeup, this analysis reveals that these groups may be more different than similar. These disparities have serious implications for public health planning and implementation.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: 1. Describe disparities in public health and social service access and need between HIV+ white and black MSM, 2. Identify differences in patterns of health and social service utilization between HIV+ white and black MSM, 3. Analyze public health challenges in addressing the changing needs of HIV+ white and black MSM
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Emerging Health Issues
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.