HIV/AIDS case managers and client HIV status disclosure: perceived client needs, practices, and services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Work
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) require support navigating HIV status disclosure.
• Case managers are vital in assisting PLWHA with disclosure decisions.
• Disclosure is complex, involving personal, social, and health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the role and challenges of case managers in assisting PLWHA with HIV status disclosure.
• To identify gaps in training and resources for case managers providing disclosure assistance.
• To understand how disclosure issues are prioritized alongside other client needs.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous survey of 223 HIV/AIDS case managers in New York State.
• Agency-level sampling of case managers.
• Data collection on disclosure discussion frequency, perceived resource adequacy, and training needs.

Main Results:

• Two-thirds of case managers routinely discuss HIV disclosure with clients.
• A significant majority (66%) of those discussing disclosure lacked specific training for partners.
• Case managers perceive disclosure as one of many critical issues, including housing, food, and medical care.

Conclusions:

• Case managers are actively involved in HIV disclosure discussions but face resource limitations.
• There is a clear need for targeted training and enhanced resources to support case managers.
• Improving disclosure assistance services is essential for comprehensive HIV/AIDS care.