Linking HIV-seropositive youth with health care: evaluation of an intervention

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a statewide human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) surveillance system to link infected adolescents with care. Eligible participants were HIV-seropositive youths who were reported to the Department of Health from 1985 to 1998 in a state with mandatory, name-linked reporting of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases. Standard public health disease surveillance and intervention strategies were used to link participants with HIV/AIDS case management services. Enrollment in case management services was assessed before and after the intervention was implemented in 1993. The proportion of participants receiving case management services increased from 33% to 51% (p = 0.058) after the intervention was implemented. Although enrollment in case management did not vary significantly with participants' demographic and transmission characteristics, people of color were less likely than Caucasians to be located and interviewed. In conclusion, the system of name linked reporting of HIV/AIDS cases was used successfully to increase case management by 55% above baseline levels.