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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jessy Devieux, PhD¹, Robert Malow, PhD¹, Yamile Marrero, JD, MPH², Brenda Lerner, PsyD¹, Michele Jean-Gilles, PhD¹, Emma Ergon-Perez, MA¹, and Deanne Samuels, PhD¹. (1) AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151 Street, Miami, FL 33181, 305-919-4200, devieuxj@fiu.edu, (2) AIDS Prevention Program, FIU, 3000 NE 151, Miami, FL 33181

Background: Lack of identification and linkage to treatment of co-occurring health conditions during HIV+ primary care visits is a human rights issue. Drug abuse and depressive symptoms have been consistently related to non-adherence to medication and unsafe sex practices, thus indicating a need for integrating services. This presentation focuses on psychiatric co-morbidities in conjunction with HIV treatment. Methods: Our research examines the effects of a cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention on HIV+ recovering drug abusers among an inner city sample in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited from various treatment facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. For the purpose of these analyses, we focus on preliminary data among the African American sub-sample who represent 67% of our total sample (n=261). Results: Twenty-nine percent of the sample (n=128) had used drugs within the past 3 months. Of these, 29% reported never having received treatment. Thirty-seven percent of the sample (n=171) had elevated depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, and of these 28% were not receiving treatment for their condition. Preliminary analysis revealed that although a majority of the sample received HIV primary care in the last six months, significant health concerns such as drug abuse and depression were not addressed. Conclusion: A human rights focus calls for an integrated approach that addresses co-occurring health conditions in HIV+ drug-using populations. These findings acknowledge the existing gap in HIV primary care services and call for the integration of services in HIV primary care settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify gaps in primary care service delivery to HIV+ drug-using populations.
• Assess current levels of prevention and treatment of co-occurring health conditions for HIV+ drug-using populations.
• Develop system change primary care service programs for HIV+ drug-using populations.

Keywords: Co-morbid, Service Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation