A Needs Assessment of Clients With HIV in a Home-Based Care Program in Guyana

Kathryn Boryc, Michael P. Anastario, Grace Dann, Banghee Chi, Barbara Cicatelli, Melanie Steilen, Karen Gordon-Boyle, Shanti Singh, Miryah Morris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the needs of clients in a home-based care (HBC) program aimed at improving the quality of lives of people living with HIV in Region 4 of Guyana (Demerara-Mahaica region) following their involvement with the HBC program, volunteers, and nurse providers.Design and Sample: A cross-sectional analysis of a needs assessment conducted through a verbally administered questionnaire. We collected a cross-sectional sample of 84 HBC clients living with HIV from Region 4 in Guyana.Measures: Respondents were administered a questionnaire that asked questions regarding the demographics; services received; quality of service delivery; and mental health and substance abuse.Results: The services most commonly received by respondents included nutritional assessment and counseling, HIV prevention education, emotional support, hygiene education, support for antiretroviral adherence, and support for HIV disclosure. Respondents reported further need of referrals to income-generation opportunities, food and nutritional supplement support, and support for children. Forty-two percent of the respondents screened positive for probable depression, and 37% of respondents screened positive for being at risk for a drinking problem.Conclusions: While a substantial portion of needs were addressed by the HBC program, outstanding needs included linking people living with HIV to income-generation opportunities, food support, mental health, and services for children. We suggest that mental health and substance use services be factored into HIV programming and that referral systems be strengthened to ensure access to support services for people living with HIV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)482-491
Number of pages10
JournalPublic Health Nursing
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Home health care
  • International health
  • Mental health
  • Questionnaires

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Needs Assessment of Clients With HIV in a Home-Based Care Program in Guyana'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this