According to the 1990 census, Maine had the 3rd highest proportion of any state’s population living in rural areas. Among its current population of 1.25 million, Maine has 916 cumulative AIDS cases, and an estimated 1300 living with HIV. The epidemic is primarily comprised of white men who have sex with men, however, the rate of HIV infection contracted via heterosexual contact and injection drug use has increased steadily over the past five years, and AIDS in Maine is 3 times more likely in communities of color. Approximately half of all people living with AIDS live in the southern area of the state in general proximity to the state’s only comprehensive AIDS care program. The rest are scattered throughout the state, often living significant distances from care centers and specialists. International health models have typically been restricted to developing country settings. However, these models have potential utility in rural domestic settings. This study examines the utility of applying the Enhancing Care matrix to the state of Maine. The matrix was designed to assess the status of AIDS care in developing countries, and evaluates the central components of AIDS care in a specific region, including a cross-cutting analysis of epidemiology, economics, and human rights. It found the Enhancing Care matrix provides a comprehensive evaluation of the status of AIDS care in Maine and identifies gaps in care and possible disparities in rural versus urban care settings. The application of this matrix suggests the utility of incorporating international models to domestic settings.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) Assess the status of AIDS care in Maine. 2) List impediments to care experienced by persons living with AIDS in rural areas. 3) Identify opportunities for the use of international health models in domestic settings
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Rural Health
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.