An evaluation of a medical outreach program targeting unstably housed HIV-infected individuals

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2005 Feb;16(1):127-38. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2005.0007.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate a medical outreach program that targets unstably housed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. One hundred sixty-one cross-sectional interviews were conducted prior to and after establishing a medical outreach program in single room occupancy hotels. Participants' mean age was 42 years; 58% were men, 95% minority, and 59% active substance users. The postintervention group was more likely to have a regular health care provider (p = 0.02), and take Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis (p = 0.03) and antiretroviral medication (p = 0.02) than the pre-intervention group. Quality of care was more positively perceived in the postintervention group (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis the postintervention group remained more likely to have a regular provider (OR = 5.3, p = 0.02), take antiretroviral medication (OR = 5.7, p = 0.02), and have a better perception of quality of care (OR = 4.9, p = 0.003). A medical outreach program targeting unstably housed HIV-infected individuals was associated with increased use of regular medical care and improved perceived quality of care.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Community Health Services / standards
  • Community-Institutional Relations*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New York City
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents