Biomedical subjects

Frank H Galvan

Publications and source records attributed to Frank H Galvan.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Abuse in the close relationships of people with HIV.

We estimated the proportion of adults receiving HIV care who are involved in abusive close relationships and identified factors associated with abuse perpetration and victimization. A nationally representative sample of 1,421 persons in care for HIV included 51% who reported having a close relationship (a spouse or a primary relationship partner) during a 6-month period. Of those in a close relationship, 26.8%reported the presence of abuse. Forty-eight percent of all abuse was mutual, and abuse perpetration and victimization occurred equally often. Age, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorder, as well as characteristics of relationships (e.g., both partners seropositive) predicted perpetration and/or victimization. After adjusting for these factors, females were not found to differ from gay men in their likelihood of being perpetrators of abuse or victims. However, African Americans were more likely than Whites to be involved in an abusive relationship. Interventions for people with HIV must address the presence of abuse in close relationships, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, but may benefit from targeting people of color.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Rapid HIV testing: issues in implementation.

With the approval of rapid HIV testing and the expected broader use of this technology, community-based organizations incorporating its use face both opportunities and challenges. The primary advantage of rapid testing is the ability to dramatically increase the number of individuals who become aware of their HIV status. Individuals will be able to test for HIV and learn their results in the same session. Many challenges exist, however, for those agencies considering offering rapid HIV testing. For example, given the potential for an increase in the number of individuals seeking rapid testing, there will be a need to ensure that the individuals who are at highest risk for HIV are being tested. In addition, given that rapid testing will be done in a single session, it will be necessary to consider how to effectively address a client's behaviors and attitudes concerning high-risk activities. New types of referrals may also need to be developed, such as for individuals who receive a preliminary positive HIV test result and who will need to return for a confirmatory result. In addition, those receiving confirmatory positive results will require immediate linkages to a variety of services, including medical, mental health, and social services. Also, counselors providing immediate test results may need additional skills and support to address the stress associated with implementing this new technology. Community agencies will need to utilize this technology in a way that maximizes its potential to identify cases of HIV and links individuals as quickly as possible to needed services.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMed2004

Sociodemographic differences in access to care among Hispanic patients who are HIV infected in the United States.

This study evaluated associations between sociodemographic factors and access to care, use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, and patients' ratings of care among Hispanic patients who are HIV infected; we used data from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study. Gender, insurance, mode of exposure, and geographic region were associated with access to medical care. Researchers and policymakers should consider sociodemographic factors among Hispanic patients who are HIV positive when designing and prioritizing interventions to improve access to care.

Acculturation↗

PubMed2003

Co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and drug dependence or heavy drinking among HIV-positive people.

This study sought to establish population-based estimates of the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and either or both drug dependence symptoms or heavy drinking among individuals who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to identify the factors associated with such comorbidity. Data from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS), a nationally representative sample of HIV-infected adults receiving medical care in the U.S. in 1996 (N = 2,864), were used to estimate the prevalence of comorbidity. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent influences of sociodemographic and HIV-related variables on comorbidity. The authors estimate that 13% of people with HIV receiving care in the U.S. in 1996 had co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and either or both drug dependence symptoms or heavy drinking. The odds of having a comorbid condition were higher for males, heterosexuals, and people with more HIV-related symptoms. The odds were lower for people living with AIDS, African Americans, people who were gay or sexually abstinent, those living with a spouse, those aged 50 years or older, and those with private insurance. Sixty-nine percent of those with a substance-related condition also had psychiatric symptoms; 27% of those with psychiatric symptoms also had a substance-related condition.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Alcohol use and related problems among ethnic minorities in the United States.

Alcohol use patterns and the prevalence of alcohol-related problems vary among ethnic groups. Among the elements thought to account for these ethnic differences are social or cultural factors such as drinking norms and attitudes and, in some cases, genetic factors. Understanding ethnic differences in alcohol use patterns and the factors that influence alcohol use can help guide the development of culturally appropriate alcoholism treatment and prevention programs.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed2002

The prevalence of alcohol consumption and heavy drinking among people with HIV in the United States: results from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish population-based estimates of the prevalence of any alcohol consumption and heavy drinking among individuals who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to identify the factors associated with alcohol consumption and heavy drinking in this population. METHOD: Data from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS), a national probability survey of HIV-infected adults receiving medical care in the U.S. in early 1996 (N = 2,864: 2,017 men, 847 women), were used to estimate the prevalence of any alcohol consumption and heavy drinking. Logistic regression was used to identify independent influences of sociodemographic, health status, and substance use variables on alcohol consumption and heavy drinking. RESULTS: Approximately 53% of persons in care for HIV reported drinking alcohol in the preceding month and 8% were classified as heavy drinkers. Of those who drank, 15% were heavy drinkers. The odds of heavy drinking were significantly higher among users of cocaine or heroin and significantly lower among the better educated and those with an AIDS-defining illness. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption is common among people in care for HIV, with rates of heavy drinking almost twice those found in the general population. Heavy drinking is especially higher among individuals with lower educational levels and users of cocaine or heroin.

Adolescent↗