Category: Care & Services

Presentation Date & Time: 03/26/98 13:45:00

This study examines the relationship between reported service needs/barriers to care and quality of life measures of HIV-infected women from 3 South Texas sites. The sample size consists of 123 HIV-positive women, 70% of whom are Latina-American. Information regarding service needs and barriers, quality of life, severity of HIV-infection, and demographic characteristics were collected for each subject. Reliability analysis of the measurement instruments used will be reported. Bivariate analysis of data revealed a significant correlation between all but one quality of life measures and rates of service needs and perceived barriers indicated by a client. Fewer service needs and barriers were both significantly (p< .01) related to higher physical, social, and role functioning; increased feelings of well-being and energy level; more (p< .05) positive health perceptions; and increased (p< .05) cognitive functioning. Moreover, the greater the gap between services needed and services received, the greater the probability (p< .05) for a client to exhibit decreased functioning in all areas except physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and energy level. Specifically, significant (p< .05) service delivery gaps were observed in the following areas: food and other basic needs, dental care, family counseling, housing, pharmacy, and self-help. The findings of this study indicate that gaps in service delivery are closely associated with decreased functioning in a variety of areas. Significant implications for the development of HIV-related services for women, children, and families will be discussed.