Individual and structural factors influencing HIV care linkage and engagement: Perceived barriers and solutions among HIV-positive persons |
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| Authors: | Alice Ma Brittany D. Chambers Wendasha Jenkins Hall Amanda E. Tanner Crystal N. Piper |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Public Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USAf_ma@uncg.edu;3. Department of Public Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA;4. Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, USA |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTTo meet the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s goals of reducing and preventing HIV transmission, understanding factors that shape HIV-positive persons’ care-seeking behaviors is critical. Accordingly, this study examined factors that affect HIV care linkage and engagement. Six focus groups were conducted with 33 HIV-positive persons living in North Carolina. A variety of factors influenced care behaviors, including: structural and policy factors, relationship with HIV care systems, and individuals’ personal characteristics. Participants also provided solutions for addressing specific factors to care. Improving clinical services and utilizing context-specific strategies can help facilitate greater care linkage and engagement. |
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| Keywords: | Care engagement care linkage health care access HIV qualitative methods |
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