The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71681

Anita Davis¹, Lynn D. Woodhouse, EdD, MPH², William C. Livingood, PhD³, Thomas Bryant 3¹, and Radley Remo³. (1) Institute for Health policy & Evaluation Research, Duval County Health department, 900 University Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, 904 665 2255, Anita_Davis@doh.state.fl.us, (2) Public Health Program, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St., 242 DeNike Building, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, (3) Institute for Health, Policy & Evaluation Research, Duval County Health Department - University of Florida, 900 University Blvd North Suite 604, Jacksonville, FL 32211

Recognizing the value of RARE methodologies to understand the HIV/AIDS epidemic, ethnographic methods were employed for a Statewide HIV/AIDS Health Care Needs Assessment to develop fuller understanding of populations and localities that were not previously targeted in Florida for RARE projects. Groups chosen through purposeful sampling included: the Formerly Incarcerated, Young Adults 18-25, and Migrant Laborers (Agricultural). Geographic regions included Northwestern (Young adults), Central (Formerly incarcerated), and Southwestern (Migrant Laborers) parts of Florida. The purposeful sampling process utilized focus group type meetings with participants of a large statewide HIV/AIDS planning group to identify the communities of interest. The Qualitative inquiry, primarily ethnographic in nature, focused on patient care issues. Subjects were interviewed in a variety of locations such as rehabilitation centers, agencies, community centers, universities, technology schools, work job pick up locations, and homes to reach people in a variety of settings that were most appropriate for each group being studied. The protocols and consent forms were submitted for Human subject IRB review before the studies were commenced. Over 200 people were interviewed in the three different regions. The approach revealed ways in which these groups receive and perceive health care services and ways that will facilitate the assessment to provide better informed recommendations for program implementation.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ethnographic approaches tthat can be applied to statewide Needs Assessments
• Describe uses of ethnographic approaches to needs assessment

Keywords: Assessments, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Duval County health Department, Institute for health Policy and Evaluation Research
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employee