Recent advances in medicine and pharmacology have changed HIV/AIDS from a disease with devastating short-term effects to a longer-lasting, chronic illness with equally devastating effects. Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) are now more likely to experience disability and the descent into poverty accompanied by psychological distress over a longer period of time. Based on public use data from the 1996-97 HIV/AIDS Cost and Service Utilization Survey (HCSUS; n=2864), this study will apply a structural equation model and multi-facet analysis to show how the interaction of disability, poverty, and poor mental health produces rapidly declining levels of well-being and quality of life at the individual level, and increased cost of care at the social level. The analysis will conclude with a discussion of community-based interventions as a strategy to ameliorate the negative effects of HIV/AIDS, particularly among so called “high-risk” and “vulnerable” populations such as IV drug users, children and minorities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Learn about the interrelationship between disability, povery, and depression among persons living with HIV/AIDS. 2. Use HIV/AIDS public use data and apply structural equation models and other multi-variate data analysis techniques. 3. Understand the role of community-based interventions for persons living with HIV/AIDS
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.