Issues in Specific Patient Populations

It is estimated that 61% of new HIV infections are transmitted by patients who have either dropped out of care or are not taking their medications. In order to improve patient adherence and retention-in-care, efforts to enhance trust in health care providers require a broader understanding of the diversity and cultures of many different groups of patients with HIV. Children, adolescents, women, older patients, transgender patients, incarcerated patients, homeless patients, and rural and migrant patients represent special populations the care of which requires cultural competency and awareness of their special needs. Becoming competent in developing a clinician–patient relationship across cultural differences is very important.