Abstract

MOPE552 - Poster Exhibition

Influencing blacks and African Americans' decision to provide HIV care: greater focus on medically under-served communities and health equity

N. Welch, A. Johnson, B. Hujdich, J. Salazar

HealthHIV, Washington, United States

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for more HIV/AIDS cases than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S. The Association of American Medical Colleges, Diversity in the Physician Workforce publication indicates that the HIV workforce is aging, with 77.9% of Black or African American providers 35 years of age and older. Identifying motivational factors is critical to build the next generation of providers to provide culturally appropriate HIV services to high-risk populations.
Methods: HealthHIV's 2^nd Annual State of HIV in Primary Care survey was implemented to identify trends in HIV care among primary care providers and credentialed HIV specialists. The national survey was conducted online with respondents recruited through targeted invitations between July and October 2011. HealthHIV and Medscape fielded the 45-question instrument in Survey Monkey?. Qualitative analysis, specifically deductive reasoning, was conducted in order to code and develop themes of participants' views of the current state of HIV in Primary Care.
Results: There were 627 providers surveyed, 82 of which were African American or Black. The providers who specifically provide HIV care are more influenced by the needs of their communities than by training or job opportunities. African American providers specifically are more likely to live in communities highly affected by HIV (49%), and more likely than other clinicians to focus on HIV because of:
1. Interest in medically underserved communities (85%),
2. Concern about health equity and disparities (76%),
3. Significant need in the area (71%), and
4.Training and education (49%).
Conclusions: Professional and personal factors greatly influence providers' decisions to focus on HIV care. There are opportunities to increase greater mobility and influx of providers to areas of need through greater targeting of their interests.
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