The impact of gentrification on HIV linkage and retention in San Francisco

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of gentrication, evictions, and housing costs in San Francisco on people living with HIV. The research presented is a mixed-methods, exploratory study that seeks to generate hypotheses and research frameworks for future work. In this thesis, I combine spatial analysis of socioeconomic, eviction, and epidemiologic data with qualitative surveys and in-depth interviews. In doing so, I explore how numerous San Francisco residents with HIV have been forced out of the city to areas with fewer medical resources while the HIV-positive residents who stay struggle to manage their health while facing increased housing insecurity and stigma.