Why HIV care and outcomes differ across U.S. regions and between cities and rural areas
A tale of two cities: Understanding geographic differences by region and rurality in HIV care outcomes in the U.S.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11092942
This project uses national electronic health records to learn why people living with HIV in some U.S. regions and rural communities have worse care and health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092942 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project analyzes a very large national database of medical records (the N3C) that includes millions of patients to compare HIV care outcomes like viral suppression and hospitalization rates across regions and between urban and rural areas. Researchers will examine factors such as access to healthcare, availability of specialists, and coexisting chronic conditions to identify health-system drivers of poorer outcomes. The team will use statistical analyses of patient records and health-system information to pinpoint where gaps exist. The results are intended to guide future programs and policy changes to improve HIV care where it is needed most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV in the United States—especially those in rural areas or in Southern or Western regions—are the focus of this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV, or those who already have stable viral suppression and reliable access to care, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide targeted health-system changes and programs to improve HIV care and reduce hospitalizations in underserved regions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous regional and local studies have documented geographic differences in HIV outcomes, but using this very large national EHR dataset to pinpoint health-system drivers is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PATEL, RENA CHIMAN — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: PATEL, RENA CHIMAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus, Chronic Disease