HIV/AIDS and homelessness, Part 1: background and barriers to care.

Co-occurrence of homelessness and HIV/AIDS poses a complex and multidimensional challenge to the health care provider's clinical and system integration skills. Existing data support the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among homeless persons and a high percentage of persons living with HIV/AIDS being either homeless or at imminent risk for homelessness. There are special considerations and challenges health care providers may face in caring for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS. An integrated, flexible, interdisciplinary, community-based system of care addressing the full array of medical, psychiatric/substance abuse, and housing services would optimize clinical care for this population. Areas that deserve particular attention include HIV/AIDS prevention, access to comprehensive HIV and health care, use of antiretroviral therapy, and adherence to treatment. Research is needed to better understand the multifaceted needs of this population and to develop prevention and treatment strategies applicable to daily clinical care.