The purpose of this study was to examine First Nation's use of the hospital care from the point at which they were known to be HIV positive until death occurred. In British Columbia, First Nation's persons represent approximately 5% of the population. However, in 1997 First Nations made up 13.6% of new HIV diagnoses in BC. Because St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver cares for the majority of persons with HIV/AIDS in BC, data were collected from a chart review of all HIV/AIDS related deaths occurring at St. Paul's and from the Drug Treatment Program of the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
