Klusman, Elizabeth Lauren
(2024)
Determinants of Experienced Health Barriers Among People Living with HIV in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
It is crucial that people living with HIV (PLWH) are linked to care, remain in care, and adhere to treatment, however, there are numerous factors that impact access to mental, social, and physical care. Barriers include living in a rural area (limited transportation and health facility access), low socioeconomic status, stigma and discrimination, and other health demands. Previous region and state consumer surveys were reviewed to guide survey development. HIV medical care and services, dental care, case management, housing and food, substance use, mental health, and aging with HIV were components of the survey with an emphasis of importance. Numerous question modes of rating, select all that apply, select one of the following, and open-ended questions were utilized to collect responses. Surveys were distributed via flyers in clinics and support service agencies, email, online newsletters, in-person distribution at one-on-one case manager meetings and in group settings (e.g., dinners, events, and support groups), and mail (pre-stamped return envelopes included). Trends suggest that dental care, legal assistance, help paying for utilities, food, housing, transportation, and mental health care are unmet but needed services in the region. At the surveys conclusion, results were analyzed. Results helped to understand unmet needs and barriers to accessing medical and supportive service care for PLWH in the southwest region of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the results helped to inform regional Ryan White programming (e.g., types of services funded, locations services are offered, regional staff trainings offered) that works to remove barriers to accessing quality HIV care. Removing barriers experienced by PLWH is a key step in maintaining the HIV care continuum and limiting transmission of HIV. Barriers are experienced by different communities and play a role in viral suppression and overall health outcomes. Understanding these barriers and tailoring HIV and supportive care to PLWH is a significant public health matter considering the expansive impacts of HIV on overall mental, social, emotional, and physical health.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Klusman, Elizabeth Lauren | elk85@pitt.edu | elk85 | |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Haggerty, Catherine L. | HaggertyC@edc.pitt.edu | HaggertyC | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Dauria, Emily F. | efd16@pitt.edu | efd16 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Seagle, Emma E. | seagle@jhf.org | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
14 May 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Access Restriction: |
2 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 2 years. |
| Number of Pages: |
75 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Epidemiology |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
HIV, barriers to care, HIV care continuum, viral load |
| Date Deposited: |
14 May 2024 18:16 |
| Last Modified: |
14 May 2024 18:16 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46239 |
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