Assisting persons living with HIV/AIDS to return to work: programmatic steps for AIDS service organizations

AIDS Educ Prev. 1999 Jun;11(3):212-23.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive picture of the concerns and needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS who are interested in returning to work. To collect information in this new area, a series of focus groups was conducted with a random sample of clients from AIDS Project Los Angeles who were currently unemployed and expressed a desire to return to work. The results indicate a range of concerns among individuals with HIV/AIDS about returning to work, such as a loss of or change in medical benefits, the need for flexibility in employment to address ongoing medical needs, concerns regarding disclosure of their HIV/AIDS status, the possibility of job related discrimination, and the need to address the practical aspects of reentering the labor market after a prolonged absence. The findings suggest a series of action steps for AIDS service organizations and others to address the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS in this new area.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / rehabilitation
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Counseling
  • Education
  • Ethnicity
  • HIV Infections / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Insurance, Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational* / psychology
  • Social Security