AEGiS-14IAC: A novel approach to primary care of HIV+ women by women.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

A novel approach to primary care of HIV+ women by women.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12521)

Williams C, Lansche H, Post J, LaMendola M, Milione M
McDowell Healthcare Clinic, Phoenix, United States

ISSUES: HIV+ women often neglect their own health. It is not unusual for a woman to avoid medical care for HIV or be non-adherent to medication therapies. They are mothers, wives, often the financial support and caregiver of their husband and children. They take their family to medical appointments while ignoring their own illness. Women often do not have access to transportation or childcare. A woman may be at risk for abandonment or abuse if she reveals her HIV status.

DESCRIPTION: McDowell Healthcare Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona has nearly 1400 patients, 200 of those patients are women. Female providers established a Women's Clinic to address the unique problems of the HIV+ woman. Specific goals were to increase the actual and perceived health of women, evaluate why women were having problems with their medications and offer adherence counseling. Simplification of the medication regimen was offered if appropriate. Education and group sessions, transportation, on site childcare and breakfast were offered. A Title IV female tester offered HIV testing and counseling.

ISSUES: Simplification of medication regimens on random review of patients found 28 women on Trizivir, Trizivir + NNRTI or Combivir + NNRTI. Viral Loads and CD4 counts on women with simplified regimens remained stable while many had a very positive improvement. Approximately 165 women utilized the Women's Clinic. There were 247 child visits to the childcare room. A satisfaction survey of 90 women was performed and showed that 87% report taking medications better, 93% reported it was easy to talk to the provider about their medications, 86% felt their health had improved since attending the clinic. Only 32% have recommended the clinic to other women.

RECOMMENDATIONS: More Spanish speaking staff (2 medical providers and one RN speak Spanish), more education or support groups during clinic hours, increase advertising of the Women's Clinic. [table: see text]

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Primary Health Care, Zidovudine, Counseling, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Family, Hispanic Americans, Self-Help Groups, Arizona, Combivir, Trizivir, Human, Female, Child

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G12521