Individual and structural factors influencing HIV care linkage and engagement: Perceived barriers and solutions among HIV-positive persons

ABSTRACT

To meet the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s goals of reducing and preventing HIV transmission, understanding factors that shape HIV-positive persons’ care-seeking behaviors is critical. Accordingly, this study examined factors that affect HIV care linkage and engagement. Six focus groups were conducted with 33 HIV-positive persons living in North Carolina. A variety of factors influenced care behaviors, including: structural and policy factors, relationship with HIV care systems, and individuals’ personal characteristics. Participants also provided solutions for addressing specific factors to care. Improving clinical services and utilizing context-specific strategies can help facilitate greater care linkage and engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Care engagement
• care linkage
• health care access
• HIV
• qualitative methods

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Ashley Young, MPH, Corliss Allen, MPH, Justin Amaker, MHA, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department for their assistance with the project.