“Where people are safe in their own homes:” The interplay of community factors and health among people living with HIV in the Deep South

Abstract

Abstract Our aim was to explore the role of community factors in HIV health within the Deep South. We utilized community-based participatory research to qualitatively explore experiences and perceptions of 40 persons living with HIV (age ≥18) regarding their communities and HIV health. Participants identified community factors that were important for their health (e.g. social involvement) and those that were detrimental to their health (e.g. crime). It is important for HIV providers to be aware of the factors that may affect patients’ ability to remain engaged in care. Policymakers should consider the impact that community-level factors have on population health.