ABSTRACT
While current research on the factors affecting the HIV epidemic within the general population has considered the role of HIV case managers, much remains to be known about case management effectiveness and how it might be enhanced. This article presents the data from a statewide survey of case management professionals in Florida. The study focused on case managers' preparation for practice and barriers to successful practice. The study results reflect a very broad educational preparation in multiple disciplines with highly varied means of case manager training and orientation at entry to practice. Further, the results highlighted the existence of multiple barriers that challenge the ability of case managers to cope with the demands of case management practice in sites serving people living with HIV/AIDS who are socially and economically challenged. The article concludes with recommendations for changes in the system that would enhance the preparation of case management professionals for entry to practice.
Subject(s)
Case Management/standards , HIV Infections/therapy , Safety-net Providers/standards , Social Work/standards , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Case Management/economics , Case Management/legislation & jurisprudence , Cultural Competency , Female , Financing, Government/legislation & jurisprudence , Florida , HIV Infections/economics , HIV Infections/psychology , Health Care Surveys , Health Personnel/education , Humans , Male , Patient-Centered Care/economics , Patient-Centered Care/legislation & jurisprudence , Patient-Centered Care/standards , Program Evaluation , Safety-net Providers/economics , Safety-net Providers/legislation & jurisprudence , Social Work/economics , Social Work/legislation & jurisprudence , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study focusing on the basis for parental decisions to refrain from the standard pediatric immunization schedule. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was based upon open-ended qualitative items that were subjected to content analysis to identify the prominent themes cited by parents. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrate the presence of a variety of continuing misperceptions regarding the risks represented by common pediatric immunizations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The study demonstrates the need for intensive efforts designed to apprise families of the risks and benefits associated with pediatric immunization.
Subject(s)
Decision Making , Immunization Schedule , Parents/psychology , Adult , Attitude to Health , Child , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Patient Compliance/psychology , Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Treatment Refusal/psychologyABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of social variables related to sexual relationships in African American women. The study used a quantitative descriptive design to gather data from a convenience sample of 524 African American women aged 18 to 49 who dwelled in the southeastern United States. The study utilized the HIV Risk Behavior Questionnaire to determine the participant's level of HIV risk. Results indicated substantial levels of sex in the women due to violence or fear of violence, relationship loss, lost shelter, and high levels of unwanted sex. There was a positive correlation between level of survival sex and high-risk behavior (R = .651, p < .01). Multiple correlations indicated associations between history of forced sex and sex due to fear of violence (R = .604, p < .01). Further correlations indicated a pattern of association between poverty, age, and sex out of fear of relationship loss or shelter loss. The study indicates a need for a broader definition of HIV-related risk in high-risk populations.