Objective: To evaluate access to and utilization of HIV-specific medical care among injection drug users (IDUs).
Methods: We interviewed 161 HIV-positive IDUs in New York City (n=82) and San Francisco (n=79). Participants had injected drugs in the past 12 months. We oversampled women (46%) for the purpose of comparison.
Results: The sample was 60% African American, 23% Caucasian, 13% Latino, and 4% individuals of mixed heritage. Mean age was 43 years (+7 sd). Participants had known their HIV status for a mean of eight years (+4 sd), 37% had AIDS. Most participants (76%) had publicly funded health insurance, only 16% reported no insurance. Almost all participants (97%) reported having a regular source for HIV-specific medical care. Less than half (48%) were able to name the source of this care. Most participants had CD4 cell count (86%) and viral load tests (78%) within the past 6 months (current guidelines). Forty-seven percent reported being on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). An additional 26% met current guidelines recommending HAART but were not currently receiving such medications. Caucasians (OR=3.6; p<0.04) and those without AIDS (OR=9.2; p<0.001) were more likely than others to receive appropriate treatment using multivariable logistic regression.
Conclusions: While HIV-positive IDUs sampled appear to have adequate access to HIV-specific primary medical care, the adequacy of their utilization of care is less clear. Continuity of care is uncertain given that half of participants were unable to name their primary source of care. Additionally, there are still many HIV-positive IDUs who are not utilizing appropriate treatment.
Learning Objectives: Identify factors which impact access and utilization of care for HIV-positive injection drug users
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Access to Health Care
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.