Use of mental health services among homeless African American men with HIV/AIDS and mental health needs
Abstract
Research has recently uncovered the association between housing, HIV/AIDS, and health inequalities. In addition to the positive role that housing plays in homeless individuals' access and engagement in health care services, it is important to explore the mental health needs and mental health services utilization among persons living with HIV/AIDS while experiencing unstable housing conditions. The current study, using data collected by the Housing and Health Study, explored the mental health needs and use of services among unstably housed/homeless African American men living with HIV/AIDS, a population that is disproportionately affected by poor health and living conditions. The current study applied aspects of the Andersen and Newman Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization, the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, and the Alternative Resource and Barrier Theories to better understand what predicts the use of mental health services among this vulnerable population. There is no question that unstably housed HIV-positive African American men are experiencing major stressors in their lives that may preclude them from accessing and using either medical or mental health services. The analysis revealed that sexual orientation, needing assistance with emotional difficulties, participation in AA/NA groups and participating in peer-led support groups were all significant in predicting use of mental health services. Specifically, men who are gay are three times more likely than straight men to use mental health services, men who report needing help with emotional/psychological difficulties are seven times more likely than those who do not report needing help to use mental health services, individuals who attend AA/NA groups are four times more likely than those who do not attend to use mental health services, and men who attend self-help emotional support groups are three times more likely than those who do not attend to use mental health services.
Subject Area
African American Studies|Black studies|Mental health|Public health|Public policy
Recommended Citation
Caban, Maria, "Use of mental health services among homeless African American men with HIV/AIDS and mental health needs" (2013). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3588205.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3588205
