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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sylvie Naar-King, PhD, Pediatric Prevention Center, Wayne State University, Pediatric Prevention Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 30021, 313-745-4878, snarrking@med.wayne.edu, Monique Green-Jones, MPH, Pediatrics, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine, UHC.6.15, Detroit, MI 48201, Carol Tobias, MMHS, Health and Disability Working Group, Boston University School of Public Health, 374 Congress Street, Suite 502, Boston, MA 02210, and Lois Eldred, DrPH, HIV/AIDS Bureau, SPNS Program, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.

Background: Retention in HIV care is poor among high risk populations. Many individuals who are newly diagnosed enter care already symptomatic. Interventions to retain this population are critical. This paper describes newly diagnosed persons (NDPs) drawn from a multi-site outreach project at baseline and 6 month follow-up.

Methods: 86 HIV+ persons diagnosed in the previous 6 months enrolled in the SPNS project primarily at 2 adult sites (Washington, DC, Portland, OR) and 1 youth site (Detroit). Outreach programs used peers and paraprofessionals to provide HIV education and support, address stigma, and help to navigate health care systems. Chi-squares compared NDPs with the remainder of the sample at baseline (N=234). Paired-samples t-tests compared NDPs responses at baseline and 6-month follow up (currently N=53).

Results: NDPs were more likely to be male and younger than non-NDPs. NDPs were less likely to report substance use problems but were more likely to report stigma-related barriers to engaging in care. There were no differences in current mental health status or barriers due to health beliefs. At the 6-month follow-up, 89% of NDPs had an HIV care appointment, higher than retention rates reported in the general population of HIV+ persons. There was a significant increase in the percentage of persons with insurance and a case manager. There was a significant decrease in barriers related to stigma and health beliefs.

Conclusions: Stigma is a particular concern among NDPs. Specifics of successful program components designed to reduce stigma and health belief barriers will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

(
• Describe the psychosocial characteristics of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV (
• Describe changes in newly diagnosed persons over 6 months of receiving services designed to promote engagement and retention in care. (
• List the characteristics of interventions that successfully address engagement and retention in care for newly diagnosed persons.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered