Accessibility to health services by HIV-infected patients: a literature review

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of studies on accessibility to health care. It has been shown that patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may present better survival estimates depending upon their access to adequate health care, such as the availability of prophylac...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 1996-04, Vol.12 (2), p.233-242
Main Authors: Acurcio, Fd, Guimarães, MD
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Subjects:
Access
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Brazil
Health Care Utilization
Health Services
Human Rights
Patients Rights
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The aim of this paper is to provide a review of studies on accessibility to health care. It has been shown that patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may present better survival estimates depending upon their access to adequate health care, such as the availability of prophylactic therapy (e.g. zidovudine, pentamidine). The present review has emphasized access to health care in light of data from the current HIV epidemic. Theorical aspects pertaining to accessibility are presented, followed by a brief literature review on four main topics: 1. epidemiological aspects of HIV; 2. evaluation of health service quality; 3. accessibility to health care; and 4. accessibility studies on HIV-infected patients. Final considerations indicate the need to understand the various consequences of barriers to health care, taking into account the social and human costs of HIV infection, the needs and demands of HIV-infected patients, and the consequences of delays in care for these individuals.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464