THE INTEGRATION OF INFORMAL CARE, CASE-MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASEDSERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH HIV AIDS/

This research examines the integration of informal and formal care for persons with HIV/AIDS. Data come from a panel survey of informal HIV/ AIDS caregivers (N = 642) and are analyzed using a modified version of the Behavioral Model that allows for inclusion of predisposing, enabl ing and need characteristics of persons with HIV/AIDS and their caregi vers. The outcome component of our model emphasizes the role of case m anagement as an intermediary service designed to facilitate linkage to other services. Results indicate: substantial use of case management and other services among persons receiving informal care; characterist ics of care recipients, caregivers and dyads directly influence case m anagement and service use; case management positively influences servi ce use at baseline and change in service use over time; and the associ ation between case management and service use generates indirect influ ences on service use related to characteristics of care recipients, ca regivers and dyads. These results highlight the importance of case man agement as a mechanism for integrating informal and formal care and de monstrate that service utilization is influenced by the social context of illness.