5016.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 8:45 AM

Abstract #30697

Using community-based participatory research to improve HIV-related mental health care

Michael Reece, PhD, MPH, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER Building 116, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7109, 703-402-9580, mdreece@aol.com

Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the physical and psychological complications that follow continue to present significant challenges to the public health of the nation. This participatory study examined critical issues that were identified by a community-based mental health clinic as limiting to the effectiveness of their system of care. While the study design and findings will be briefly described, this presentation will focus on the issues and factors that were both facilitating and challenging at several critical points in this research partnership: 1) study design and instrument development, 2) data collection, 3) developing and responding to recommendations based on study findings, and 4) disseminating study findings. Recommendations for avoiding and responding to challenging factors will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on a discussion of the particular issues that were associated with the public health-mental health nature of this partnership.

Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to identify critical elements supportive of developing and sustaining a community-academic partnership with a mental health clinic. 2. Participants will be able to identify challenging and facilitating factors associated with the dissemination and implementation of the study findings and recommendations.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Positive Impact, Inc. Atlanta GA
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I have a long-term partnership with this agency and they continue to serve as a research partner, which may result in grant-related funding for both me and the agency at some point in the future.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA