Access to medical care and service utilization among injection drug users with HIV/AIDS.
Access to care and optimal service utilization among 287 low income African American former and current drug injectors was examined. Results indicated suboptimal outpatient care, and no evidence of alternative use of hospital services. Participation in drug treatment and case management were associated with greater access to care and use of outpatient services, even after controlling for current drug use, gender, and insurance. AIDS and physical functioning limitation were associated with emergency room (ER) use and hospitalization. Participation in drug treatment and case management and an AIDS diagnosis were associated with optimal outpatient service use. Daily alcohol use was associated with ER as the usual facility for care. Integration of substance abuse treatment, case management, and medical services delivery may contribute to improved HIV care for this population.
Knowlton
A R
AR
Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. aknowlto@jhsph.edu
Hoover
D R
DR
Chung
S E
SE
Celentano
D D
DD
Vlahov
D
D
Latkin
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015142:Baltimore; D019090:Case Management; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006296:Health Services; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors