Validating the client-focused considering work model for people living with HIV and quantifying phases of change of commitment to work

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to validate the client-focused considering work model and to gain a better understanding of the nature of the relationship among the four domains purported to influence the considering work process (medical, psychosocial, financial/legal and vocational). A second goal of the study was to quantify the relationship between these four domains and the phases of considering work (contemplation, preparation, action, resolution). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data of 1702 diverse (43% Black, 31% White, 19% Latino 7% other) unemployed respondents who were recruited from AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) and networks across the United States to complete the National Working Positive Vocational Development and Employment Needs Survey (NWPC-VDENS). Overall the results of this study supported the validity of the client-focused considering work model and helped to provide a deeper level of understanding of the relationship among the domains of influence and their contribution to the level of commitment to the considering work process.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• This model enables rehabilitation professionals to consider interventions for clients at different phases (contemplation, preparation, action) of considering work.

• Rehabilitation professionals are encouraged to provide prevocational services to engage people with HIV in the considering work process.

• When assisting PLWH within the considering work process, it is important to assess not only medical status but also psychosocial, financial and vocational concerns.

Keywords:

• Client-focused considering work model
• HIV
• work

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants for taking the time to complete the survey. The authors would like to acknowledge the National Working Positive Coalition (workingpositive.net), a coalition of individuals living with HIV, service providers, researchers, and advocates who are committed to improving the financial and personal well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Funding information

This study was possible due to funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Mary Switzer Fellowship and the AIDS Institute – New York State Department of Health.