The New Orleans HIV outpatient program patient experience with Hurricane Katrina.

Abstract

In an effort to understand better the experience of New Orleans HIV Outpatient Program patients surviving Hurricane Katrina, a survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 175 subjects who had returned to the clinic between January and April 2006. Although 90% of patients eventually evacuated, only 43% left the city prior to Hurricane Katrina. Twenty-six percent were exposed to flood waters, and some stayed in shelters, usually longer than two weeks. Antiretroviral treatment interruption was common and in most persons was due to running out of medications. The New Orleans experience with Hurricane Katrina may help other HIV clinics planning for disasters.