Caseworkers' perceptions of the mental health information needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

This qualitative study was the first phase in designing a computer system that provides interactive tailored interventions for management of depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals (HIV TIDES). The purposes of the study were to explore caseworkers' perceptions of the mental health information needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), barriers of accessing mental health information, and possible solutions to fulfilling PLWHA's mental health information needs. A focus group methodology was used to gather perceptions from six experienced community-based workers who provided direct case management services for PLWHA in East Harlem, New York. Data were classified into four main categories: mental health information needs, information sources for mental health concerns, barriers to accessing mental health information, and need for mental health interventions. The results of this study were used to inform the design of HIV TIDES.