Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Stafford, Amanda

Titel

Barriers to Medical Care Experienced by Women With HIV: A Systematic Review of Literature From 2019 Thru 2023

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2024

Link zum Volltext

• ProQuest

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Despite progress in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, there are 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States and 1 in 4 people with HIV is a woman. In 2019, 36,801 people were diagnosed with HIV and 19% of those diagnosed were women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Women with HIV are challenged by unique barriers to engaging in HIV medical care and are underrepresented in HIV-related research. Women with HIV have higher rates of missed medical appointments and lower rates of medication adherence (CDC, 2023) which leads to poorer health outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize existing literature published from 2019 through 2023 that describes the barriers that women with HIV face in engaging in care and to identify gaps in knowledge and research regarding these barriers. Three of the most cited barriers to care experienced by women with HIV are HIV-related stigma, lack of social support and medical mistrust. In addition, some of the barriers experienced which are unique to women are gender-related stigma, threat of violence when disclosing HIV status, caregiving/household responsibilities, and emotional labor. Three national strategies to end HIV are discussed in this strategic review and correlation to the goals these strategies put forth and the findings of this review are discussed. Women-centered programs and policy changes are needed to improve engagement in medical care for women with HIV and this review recommends opportunities for future research, policy changes, and HIV programming.