Examining HIV in Men of Color: Antecedents and Consequences of Access to Healthcare

Thursday, 15 July 2010

Silvia Raquel Park, MBA, BSN, RN
Nursing, Purdue University, Hammond, IN

Learning Objective 1: After attending this presentation, the learner will be able to discuss why HIV positive men of color are not accessing healthcare.

Learning Objective 2: After attending this presentation, the learner will be able to investigate strategies in providing care that can be implemented for HIV men of color.

Purpose:

In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 1,040,000 Americans were living with HIV infection (Glynn, 2005). The incidence of newly diagnosed HIV in African American men was 30%, Latinos 12%, Caucasians 11% and an HIV prevalence rate of 17% (Wooten, 2009).

More information needs to be known about the health seeking behaviors of men of color. The purpose of this paper is to examine the foregoing circumstances and penalties of access to healthcare in HIV positive men of color. Dr. Nola J. Pender’s Health Promotion framework is intended as “a guide for exploration of the complex biopsychosocial processes that motivate individuals to engage in health behaviors directed toward the enhancement of health” (Pender, 1996).

Methods:

This qualitative inquiry will explore:

a.         Why HIV positive men of color are not accessing healthcare

b.         What strategies in providing care can be implemented for HIV men of color

c.         The application of this knowledge to the advanced practice nurse

Expected Results:

Significant factors in healthcare have been lack of medical insurance coverage, poor client / healthcare provider relationships, stigma of HIV positive persons and the burden of not having a linkage to healthcare once diagnosed with HIV.

Conclusion:

Five strategies must be implemented to improve healthcare for HIV positive men of color: healthcare reform, healthcare liaisons, health fairs / educational presentations, recruitment of persons of color in healthcare, and increasing health literacy.

Glynn, M. & Rhodes, P. (2005). Estimated HIV prevalence in the United States at the end on 2003. 2005 National HIV Prevention Conference, Atlanta, GA, June 12 – 15, Abstract T1 – B11 – 13 (p.85).

Pender, N. J. (1996). Health promotion in nursing practice (3rd ed.). Stanford, CT: Appleton and Lange.

Wooten, A. (2009). Local HIV survey shows huge racial disparity. Chicago Free Press, May 28, (pg 9).