Online Program

336287
Concepts of emotional support in linkage to HIV care: A qualitative assessment


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Christa Cook, PhD, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Shantrel Canidate, BS, MPH, Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Robert L. Cook, MD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL
Background: All types of support, cognitive (teaching), emotional (feelings), and tangible (receipt of goods), are needed to transition someone to HIV care. Lack of appropriate support at diagnosis is a potential reason some may delay seeking treatment  Current standard of care focuses on cognitive support (information about HIV, the importance of care, preventing transmission, partner notification) and tangible support (how to access services) at diagnosis. However, our previous research indicated emotional support as the most critical immediately following diagnosis. This analysis explored components of emotional support needs that could help people when transitioning to care.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data using transcript data from 27 people with HIV who were interviewed about their experiences seeking care after an HIV diagnosis. Transcripts were coded to identify concepts in the data related to types of support.

Findings: Participants identified emotional support as critical for transition during the crisis/grief stage after an HIV diagnosis. Components of emotional support that aided linkage were identification (knowing others are like them), connection (health care system maintaining contact), and navigation (someone to be there during the process of linkage). Most felt emotional support was best delivered by a peer advocate, support group, family member, or professional counselor.

Conclusions: Public health professionals often see diagnosis as an opportunity to provide necessary cognitive support, and tangible support. However, these types of support may not facilitate entry into care if emotional support needs are not met first.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate among the types of social support provided at HIV diagnosis. Identify the components of emotional support that promote linkage to HIV care.

Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been conducting community engaged research in HIV linkage to care for the past 7 years. My expertise is in qualitative methods and transitions in care.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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