Case Management: Steadfast Resource for Addressing Linkage to Care and Prevention With Hospitalized HIV-Infected Crack Users

Abstract

Interviews were conducted among HIV-positive inpatients in Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, to examine whether having a case manager was associated with improved outcomes. The authors explored whether current use of a case manager was associated with unprotected sex, HIV care, use of antiretroviral medications, and referral to case management at time of diagnosis. Outcomes among patients who received case management were compared with those without a case manager. Participants with a current case manager were significantly more likely to take HIV medications, have obtained HIV care within the past 6 months, and have been referred to case management when first diagnosed. They were also significantly less likely to engage in unprotected sex within the last 6 months. Interventions that link HIV-positive patients with a case manager may improve HIV health-seeking behaviors and reduce sexual risk engagement, which may lead to improved clinical results.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV case management
• drug use among PLWH
• HIV care
• ART adherence

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Ikenna Okoro, who provided valuable technical support to make this article possible.