Psychosocial needs of HIV-positive individuals seeking workforce re-entry

With the advent of more effective treatments and corresponding improvement in morbidity and mortality, people living with HIV and AIDS are increasingly considering a return to the workplace. This study examined subjective and objective indicators of need among a sample of 235 HIV-infected individuals entering a vocational rehabilitation programme for people with HIV. In addition to help with training and job placement, participants indicated a need for assistance with finances, money management, housing access and access to health care, as well as with alcohol or drug problems, legal problems and social relationships. Subsequent to learning of their diagnoses, the sample reported a median decrement in financial resources of 60%. Over half had experienced housing instability in the year prior to entering the study, including 15% who had been homeless, even though most were linked to case management services. A third had used illegal drugs in the prior month, 41% drank to intoxication and 20% lacked even monthly phone contact with friends. Results suggest that back to work programmes for people with HIV and AIDS will need to address a broad range of psychosocial issues beyond job training and placement.