Exploring the Relationship Between Access to Wraparound Care Coordination and Viral Load Levels in Youth Living With HIV Open Access

Abstract

Viral suppression and undetectable viral load levels are indicators of successful adherence to treatment in people living with HIV. These outcomes are essential to global efforts in HIV treatment and prevention, with the ultimate end goal of HIV elimination. LGBTQ+ youth living with HIV are at an increased risk of poor treatment outcomes and retention in care. Care coordination and patient navigation are some strategies known to mitigate the existing barriers to successful treatment adherence. Publications on how different services within care coordination and patient navigation can improve HIV treatment outcomes in high-risk populations such as LGBTQ+ youth are limited by broad study populations and care coordination service definitions. We analyzed care coordination service histories and HIV lab results data from clients enrolled in HIV care coordination at an LGBTQ+ youth resource organization. This analysis found that different care coordination service types associated with viral suppression and undetectable viral loads in youth living with HIV were financial support, logistical support, and HIV-specific social support. Expansion of our understanding about which types of care coordination services improve HIV outcomes in high-risk populations is needed to promote and fund interventions that support national and international HIV treatment and prevention goals.

Table of Contents

Background ...................................................................................................................... 1

Methods ............................................................................................................................. 8

Results ............................................................................................................................. 11

Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 15

           Strengths and Limitations..................................................................................... 17

           Future Directions.................................................................................................. 18

References ....................................................................................................................... 20

Tables .............................................................................................................................. 26

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Global Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Social Work Health Sciences, Epidemiology GLBT Studies
Keyword	HIV
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Jeb Jones, Emory University Christina Woodhouse, JASMYN

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