Examining the Perceptions of Service Providers for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Rural Localities

Abstract

There is an increased level of concern that current service structures in rural localities are ill prepared to meet the needs of a growing population of persons infected with HIV/AIDS. Persons living with HIV/AIDS in rural localities face greater stigma, limited accessibility, and restricted resources that further isolate this historically underserved population. This exploratory study utilizes a non-probability purposive sample to investigate the perceptions of service providers in rural regions of North Carolina. Investigators developed and administered a self administered survey comprised of quantitative and qualitative questions targeting service provider perceptions about the general public; perceptions about consumers of services; provider self perceptions, and perceptions related to inter- and intra-agency issues. Findings indicate that service providers perceive deficits in public knowledge, social and health services, agency resources, and provider resources. Implications of these findings are discussed as well as the need for continued research efforts.

Key Words:

• Rural localities
• rural services
• rural HIV/AIDS services