1327. Correlates of Need for Ancillary Service Referrals Among Persons Receiving HIV Care in New York City: Findings From the Medical Monitoring Project

Abstract

BackgroundRetention of people with HIV (PWH) in HIV care is essential for optimal health outcomes. Unmet needs for ancillary services, such as housing, food, transportation, or mental health services may pose barriers to sustained retention in HIV care.MethodsA representative sample of people with HIV (PWH) aged ≥18 years and receiving HIV care in NYC between 2015 and 2016 was interviewed for the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP). Questions attempted to identify needs for ancillary services among participants. We explored correlates of expressed needs for ancillary services in the 12 months prior to the interview date.ResultsOf 654 PWH interviewed, 650 (99%) were current with HIV care. Of these, 323 (50%) expressed a need for ancillary services. Among the 323 PWH expressing needs, 209 (65%) were males, 163 (50%) were non-Hispanic blacks, 118 (37%) were Hispanic, and 111 (35%) were individuals identifying as gay (26%) or lesbian (9%).The median age was 50 [interquartile range (IQR) 40–58 years]. In the multivariate model, non-Hispanic blacks (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6) and Hispanics (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.7) had higher odds than whites of expressing current needs for ancillary services. A higher need for ancillary services was expressed by PWH that were virally suppressed vs. not suppressed (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.0) and those with a history of injection drug use vs. those without (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.7).ConclusionHalf of the PWH in our sample expressed a current need for ancillary services despite being actively engaged in HIV. Providers should routinely screen their patients, especially non-Hispanic black and Hispanic patients and persons with substance use history, for unmet needs and proactively link them to social service providers in order to promote overall well-being and retention in HIV care.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.