An Assessment of the Needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Montana
The purpose of this study was to collect information about the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Montana; including both those receiving and those not receiving Ryan White Title II and III services. Barriers to receiving HIV/AIDS related services and care also were examined. Information regarding the needs of HIV positive people were collected using three methods: 1) a survey was developed, reviewed by an expert panel, pilot tested and distributed by case workers and key informants to 88 HIV+ persons throughout the state; 2) five focus group interviews were conducted with HIV+ people in three different geographical regions; and 3) eight key informant interviews were conducted with Ryan White Title II and III case managers at each consortia site. Analysis of survey data revealed the top three needs in the area of medical and health care were the need for alternative therapies, dental care and mental health counseling. In the area of social needs, recreational activities, legal services and referral for social services were the top needs. Basic necessity needs included housing or rent assistance, assistance paying household bills, and emergency financial assistance. There were no statistically significant differences between the needs of individuals who received Ryan White services and those who did not. In addition, a content analysis of focus group and key informant interviews revealed a need for a more social interaction and support among individuals who are HIV positive, the need for gainful employment, the need to reduce the stigma of being positive, and the need for easier access to Medicaid. Major barriers to meeting the needs of individuals living with HIV were mainly financial in nature and included both the individual's lack of financial stability as well as the lack of government funded resources and services in Montana. Information regarding the needs of HIV+ people in rural areas is essential so that limited resources can be used to develop and implement programs and services that are designed to best meet the needs of individuals who are HIV positive, and to prevent the further spread of HIV.