The Employment Perspectives Study: Identifying Factors Influencing the Job–Seeking Behavior of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Given the increased quality and length of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), this study explored factors influencing the job-seeking behaviors of PLWHA, using the theory of planned behavior. We conducted six focus groups with 54 persons living with HIV/AIDS who self-identified as African American, reported receiving HIV/AIDS services at an urban AIDS service organization in metropolitan Washington, DC, and reported not being employed. Most participants reported no employment history and were not receiving public assistance. Among the findings of this study, participants reported valuing employment, identified advantages and disadvantages associated with employment while managing their HIV/AIDS prognosis, identified individuals influencing their decision to become employed, and delineated facilitators and impediments to employment. The findings identified 15 beliefs that may be key for community-based organizations and agencies to address when providing job placement services for PLWHA.

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