American Indians with HIV/AIDS: health and social service needs, barriers to care, and satisfaction with services among a Western tribe.
This study investigated the health care and social service needs, barriers to care and satisfaction with services among American Indians with HIV/AIDS in a western tribe. Individual interviews were conducted with 28 respondents, which constituted nearly the entire population obtaining HIV/AIDS medical services from the IHS in the target area. The survey found that expressed need for services in this frontier rural area were lower than urban counterparts, but that access to needed services was lower. Common unmet medical needs include mental health services, eye and dental care, traditional Native medicine, and substance abuse treatment. Common unmet social service needs include housing assistance, help obtaining food and clothing, and transportation. Limited access to essential services impedes the ability of American Indians with HIV/AIDS to maintain effective medical regimens.
The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Family Practice Center, Room 145, 2400 Tucker NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5287, USA.
B
B
Duran
M
M
Bulterys
J
J
Iralu
C M
CM
Graham Ahmed Edwards
A
A
Edwards
M
M
Harrison
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D012947:Social Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*