This study investigated the health care and social
service needs, barriers to care and satisfaction with services
among American Indians with HIV/AIDS in a western tribe.
Individual interviews were conducted with 28 respondents,
which constituted nearly the entire population obtaining
HIV/AIDS medical services from the IHS in the target area.
The survey found that expressed need for services in this
frontier rural area were lower than urban counterparts, but
that access to needed services was lower. Common unmet
medical needs include mental health services, eye and
dental care, traditional Native medicine, and substance
abuse treatment. Common unmet social service needs
include housing assistance, help obtaining food and clothing,
and transportation. Limited access to essential services
impedes the ability of American Indians with HIV/AIDS to
maintain effective medical regimens.