About 56,300 Americans contract HIV annually, but thousands delay care for at least a year after their diagnosis. And almost half of all Americans who know they're positive aren't in treatment. Why is that? POZ wants to better understand barriers to care, so please tell us about your experiences.
Anonymous/confidential testing site AIDS service organization (ASO) Emergency room/hospital General practitioner Mobile HIV testing van Ob/gyn Other:
0–1 month 2–5 months 6–9 months 10–12 months More than a year I've never sought medical care for treating HIV
Through the testing site Through the ER/hospital Through my general doctor Through personal research (online and phone)
I didn't know whom to see for HIV care I didn't trust doctors I didn't want to take medication I didn't feel sick I felt ashamed/embarrassed about having HIV I didn't have health insurance/treatment was too expensive I didn't have transportation I didn't have time for appointments I didn't have childcare I couldn't get away from work Other:
I was sick I wanted to stay well I wanted information I was scared/I didn't want to die I wanted emotional support Other:
Straight Gay/lesbian Bisexual Other
Less than $15,000 $15,000–$34,999 $35,000–$49,999 $50,000–$74,999 $75,000–$99,999 $100,000 or more
Some high school High school graduate Some college or associate's degree Bachelor's degree or higher
American Indian or Alaska Native Arab or Middle Eastern Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White Other: