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Factors Associated with Mental Health Care Satisfaction Among Rural, Older Adults Living with HIV in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study. AIDS Behav 2026 Jun 26

Date

06/26/2026

Pubmed ID

42350738

DOI

10.1007/s10461-026-05221-3

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105042858243 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

This study examined potential sociodemographic predictors, mental health and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of mental health care satisfaction in a national sample of rural, older (50+) people living with HIV (PLHIV). We used a sub-sample (N = 102) from a survey of individuals that received mental health services within the past two years. Linear regressions examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and mental health care satisfaction. Associations between mental health care satisfaction and mental health-related QOL, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress was also examined. STROBE guidelines were used. Multiple regression analyses found individuals with lower education levels (B = -0.21, SE = 0.08, p = .01), who identified as a sexual minority (B = 0.39, SE = 0.15, p = .01), lived in the Midwest (B = 0.52, SE = 0.22, p = .02) or West, (B = 0.59, SE = 0.22, p = .01), and reported fewer barriers to care (B = -0.38, SE = 0.10, p < .001) were more satisfied with care. Further, individuals who were older (B = 0.05, SE = 0.02, p = .04), African American (B = 0.59, SE = 0.26, p = .03), and more satisfied with their care (B = 0.39, SE = 0.14, p = .01) reported higher mental health related QOL. Individuals less satisfied with care reported more depressive symptoms (B = -2.53, SE = 0.97, p = .01) and more perceived stress (B = -0.21, SE = 0.09, p = .02). These findings highlight important targets for improving mental health care satisfaction.

Author List

Schmitt M, Petroll AE, Quinn KG, Walsh JL

Authors

Andrew Petroll MD Interim Chief, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katherine Quinn PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer L. Walsh PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin