 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Antonio L. Estrada, PhD, MSPH, Mexican American Studies and Research Center, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210023, Economics Bldg. 23, Room 208b, Tucson, AZ 85721/0023, 520-434-0334, aestrada@u.arizona.edu and Barbara D Estrada, MS, Southwest Institute for Research on Women, University of Arizona, 3910 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714.
Previous research has demonstrated strong associations between general health status characteristics and depression status or depressive symptomatology. Appropriate management of HIV/AIDS patients requires attention to both their physical and psychological well-being. Evidence from an on-going demonstration program in the U.S.-Mexico border region shows that HIV/AIDS patients in this area suffer from co-morbidity issues that are very prevalent. Health status characteristics (CD-4, viral load, general health status), and limitations in daily activities were significantly associated with depressive symptomatology. Date since HIV/AIDS diagnosis was used as a control variable to examine health disparities in this patient group. Preliminary results indicate that patients are in need of not only specialty care for HIV/AIDS, but in most cases would benefit from psychosocial stabilization via a critical care team that includes on-going case management. This is particularly problematic in the U.S.-Mexico border region were there is a chronic lack of health and mental health care facilities and trained personnel.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Health Disparities, Hispanic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.