Delays in seeking HIV care due to competing caregiver responsibilities

Michael D. Stein, Steve Crystal, William E. Cunningham, Amarnath Ananthanarayanan, Ron M. Andersen, Barbara J. Turner, Sally Zierler, Sally Morton, Mitchell H. Katz, Samuel A. Bozzette, Martin F. Shapiro, Mark A. Schuster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to describe the characteristics of HIV- infected persons who delay medical care for themselves because they are caring for others. Methods. HIV-infected adults (n = 2864) enrolled in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (1996-1997) were interviewed. Results. The odds were 1.6 times greater for women than for men to put off care (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 2.2); persons without insurance and with CD4 cell counts above 500 were also significantly more likely to put off care. Having a child in the household was associated with putting off care (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4, 2.3). Conclusions. Women or individuals with a child in the household should be offered services that might allow them to avoid delays in seeking their own medical care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1138-1140
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume90
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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