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Hill SV, Pratt MC, Elopre L, Simpson T, Gaines Lanzi R, Matthews LT. "Nobody Wants to Have Conversation About HIV." A Thematic Analysis of in-Depth Interviews With Black Adolescent Women and Providers About Strategies for Discussing Sexual Health and HIV Prevention. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:466-471. [PMID: 38597652 PMCID: PMC11182704 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in the US Southeast are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Infrequent assessment of sexual health in clinical encounters may contribute to low preexposure prophylaxis uptake for this population. This study explores Black AGYW and providers' perspectives on engaging in discussions about sexual health, including preexposure prophylaxis. METHODS In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with Black AGYW aged 14 to 24 years and health care providers (MD, DO, NP, PA) who self-reported caring for Black AGYWs in Alabama. In-depth interviews were grounded in Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization to explore barriers and facilitators to sexual health discussions. After separate analyses, AGYW and provider IDIs were aggregated and reanalyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes related to their views on ways to improve Black AGYW engagement in sexual health discussions while in clinical settings. RESULTS Twelve Black AGYW and 11 providers completed IDIs. Client median age was 21 years, representing 9 Alabama counties. Providers were predominately non-Hispanic White (82%), female (73%), and physicians (64%). Themes about ways to improve sexual health discussions included the following: (1) improve sexual health education for providers and adolescents, (2) normalize conversations in clinical settings, and (3) engage communities to continue these conversations outside of clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS Sexual health and HIV prevention discussions with Black AGYW are not occurring. This study is one of the first to identify and highlight Black AGYW and provider-identified shared strategies for improving these discussions. Operationalizing these strategies is crucial to facilitating these discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha V Hill
- From the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
| | - Madeline C Pratt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
| | - Latesha Elopre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
| | - Tina Simpson
- From the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
| | | | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
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Irie WC, Mayer K. Avoiding Shots in the Dark: Learning from the Past To Inform the Implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Black American Cisgender Women. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2175-2182. [PMID: 38605250 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The FDA's approval of long-acting injectable cabotegravir pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI PrEP) as an alternative to daily oral PrEP represents a crucial development in HIV prevention, particularly for American Black cisgender women who face high HIV-1 risks. Yet, uptake may be hindered by racial and gender inequities. Addressing these requires learning from the roll-out of oral PrEP, creating culturally tailored PrEP campaigns, and enhancing provider training to meet Black women's needs. Tools for discussing PrEP within personal relationships and product preference research tailored to Black women's needs are essential for effective LAI PrEP delivery. Deliberative implementation of LAI PrEP must employ strategies that are community-sensitive, -responsive, and -inclusive. It should prioritize the incorporation of Black women's voices in decision-making and should promote community-led strategies. By addressing historical injustices and fostering trust, healthcare systems can enhance LAI PrEP uptake by Black women. Emphasizing a community-centered approach that ensures health equity and acknowledges the crucial role that social media and Black-led organizations play in promoting PrEP awareness and adoption within Black communities is necessary for successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney C Irie
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, 02467-1037, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kenneth Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Thorpe S, Orphé P, Pitcher G, McCleod K, Malone N, Stevens-Watkins D. Correlates of Transactional Sex Among Black Men and Women Who Misuse Opioids. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2024; 51:416-424. [PMID: 38281101 PMCID: PMC11200108 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231225440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The rise in opioid misuse coincides with increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV incidence. Transactional sex is an under-researched phenomenon among Black Americans who misuse opioids, and may increase their risk of STI or HIV transmission. Given the disproportionate impact of the opioid epidemic on Black Americans and the risks associated with opioid misuse, the current study aims to investigate sociostructural factors, history of violence, and sexual risk factors associated with transactional sex among Black men and women. A sample of n = 375 Black adult Kentuckians reporting opioid misuse completed a survey including transactional sex, sociostructural, violence history, and sexual risk measures. Results of chi-squares and independent samples t-tests revealed that compared to men who did not report engaging in transactional sex, men who engaged in transactional sex were less educated, reported being sexually assaulted or having an unwanted sexual experience in their lifetime, and were more likely to use opioids or cocaine before or during sex in the last year. Women who engaged in transactional sex had a history of violence, more structural barriers, higher psychological distress, and engaged in more sexual risk behaviors compared to women who did not engage in transactional sex. Implications for future research and interventions with this population are discussed.
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Irie WC, Mahone A, Johnson B, Marrazzo J, Mugavero MJ, Van Der Pol B, Elopre L. "Just the Stigma Associated with PrEP Makes You Feel Like It's HIV Itself": Exploring PrEP Stigma, Skepticism, and Medical Mistrust Among Black Cisgender Women in Urban and Rural Counties in the U.S. Deep South. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1187-1195. [PMID: 38195827 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02769-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in HIV prevention, PrEP use among Black women is suboptimal. Notably in the Deep South, Black women have the lowest PrEP uptake rates among all US regions. To increase PrEP engagement, research suggests the implementation of structural and social interventions particular to the needs of Black women. The state of Alabama is of priority to federal HIV prevention initiatives; therefore, this study conducted focus groups among 47 cis-gender Black women in rural and urban Alabama counties, with the highest statewide HIV incidence rates, to understand perceptions of PrEP and decision-making processes. Deductive coding analysis was conducted and themes were finalized based on consensus among the two coders. Four themes were identified. Findings show stigma undergirds Alabaman Black women's decisions to engage in PrEP care. Moreover, women reported stigma stifled community-level education about PrEP. Despite these experiences, education was regarded as a strategy to decrease stigma and PrEP skepticism, the latter of which emerged as a prominent theme. Medical mistrust and healthcare engagement were the other emergent themes influencing participation in PrEP care. To ensure PrEP efforts meet the needs of Black cisgender women in Alabama counties, interventions must address longstanding stigma, increase educational initiatives, and ensure interventions consider women's experiences with medical mistrust and health care engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney C Irie
- Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467-1037, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Anais Mahone
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Bernadette Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeanne Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael J Mugavero
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Latesha Elopre
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
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5
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Pitchford K, Shangani S, Dawson C, Masa R, Heron K. Community Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Black Women in Eastern Virginia. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:123-133. [PMID: 38471092 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The most at-risk population among women for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis in the United States are Black women, accounting for 61% of all new HIV cases. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention method for people at risk of HIV acquisition. Although disproportionately affected by HIV, Black women's knowledge, perceived benefits, and uptake of PrEP remain low. The socioecological model (SEM) may be useful for understanding why there is a low uptake of PrEP among Black women. The current study used the SEM to explore provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among Black women in Eastern Virginia. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a total sample of 15 community health care providers. Barriers of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements focus on gay men), community/organizational (e.g., time constraints in the workplace), interpersonal (e.g., perceived monogamy), and individual (e.g., unmet basic needs) levels were identified. Providers also identified facilitators of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements that target women), community/organizational (e.g., PrEP education), interpersonal (e.g., HIV-positive partner), and individual (e.g., PrEP awareness and perceived susceptibility to HIV) levels. These findings highlight unique barriers to accessing and taking PrEP for Black women in the United States, and potential factors that could facilitate PrEP use. Both barriers and facilitators may be important targets for interventions to improve PrEP uptake. Future research focused on improving PrEP uptake among Black women in the United States should consider multi-level interventions that target barriers and facilitators to reduce rates of HIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Pitchford
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Sylvia Shangani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Charlotte Dawson
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristin Heron
- The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Nydegger LA, Kidane H, Benitez S, Yuan M, Claborn KR. A Qualitative Exploration of PrEP Interests, Barriers, and Interventions Among Black and Latina Cisgender Women in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:771-783. [PMID: 37796358 PMCID: PMC10844362 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02712-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Black and Latina cisgender women (BLCW) are disproportionally affected by HIV, particularly in the southern U.S. In Austin, Texas, Black women contract HIV 18.4 times more and Latinas 2.6 times more compared to White women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents contracting HIV; however, PrEP adoption among women is low. The current qualitative study aimed to explore PrEP awareness, interest, preferred PrEP administration methods, barriers to PrEP adoption, and future programs to increase PrEP adoption and adherence among BLCW. A total of 18 BLCW at high risk for HIV were enrolled. Participants completed 3 semi-structured interviews across 3 months. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results demonstrated that BLCW had low PrEP awareness, high initial PrEP interest, and were interested in a long-acting injectable form of PrEP. Barriers to PrEP adoption included concerns regarding side effects, concerns about adherence to the currently available daily pill, and difficulty with insurance. Participants proposed different ideas for interventions, including support groups, education, community-level programs, and structural interventions. Future studies should focus on increasing PrEP awareness and HIV risk, consider alternative forms of PrEP, educate providers and medical staff on PrEP, and consider tailored interventions to reduce HIV risk among BLCW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl A Nydegger
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Hampton House, 624 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Heran Kidane
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sabrina Benitez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mandy Yuan
- School of Human Ecology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kasey R Claborn
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
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Sophus AI, Mitchell JW, Barroso J, Sales JM. Factors Associated with Planned Future Use of PrEP in the Next 3 Months and Likelihood to Use PrEP Among Black Cisgender HIV-negative Women in Texas. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:72-92. [PMID: 37768428 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and then addressing barriers and leveraging facilitators is important to help increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among Black women vulnerable to HIV acquisition. The present cross-sectional study examined what factors were associated with future plans to use PrEP, and general likelihood to use it among a convenience sample of 152 adult, Black cisgender women from three metropolitan areas in Texas. The final multivariable logistic regression model revealed that relationship status (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.73, p < 0.05), PrEP anticipated stigma (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.78, p < 0.05), perceived discrimination (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21-0.78, p < 0.01) and interest in learning more about PrEP (aOR = 5.32, 95% CI: 2.60-10.9, p < 0.001) were associated with future plans to use PrEP. The final multivariable linear regression model with maximum likelihood estimation identified that perceived discrimination (β=-0.24, SE: -0.38 - -0.10, p < 0.01), perceived HIV risk (β = 0.33, SE: 0.18-0.49, p < 0.001), willingness to use PrEP with condoms (β = 1.26, SE: 0.94-1.60, p < 0.001), and comfort communicating about PrEP with a provider (β = 0.23, SE: 0.06-0.41, p < 0.01) were associated with general likelihood to use PrEP. Findings reveal key factors that warrant further attention and examination toward improving PrEP use within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber I Sophus
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, AHC5, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, AHC5, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Julie Barroso
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jessica McDermott Sales
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Sohail M, Boutwell A, Johnson B, Van Der Pol B, Marrazo J, Mugavero M, Chapman-Lambert C, Elopre L. Factors Associated With Willingness to Use Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Black Cisgender Women Residing in Rural and Urban Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:731-736. [PMID: 37643403 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black cisgender women (CGW) are disproportionately impacted by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the United States. Black women account for 57% of the total new diagnoses among CGW. In addition, Black CGW women are 9 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than their White counterparts. METHODS We conducted surveys (September 2019-March 2020) and collected information on sociodemographics, HIV/preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge, HIV/PrEP stigma, sexual practices, and other factors identified as PrEP barriers among Black CGW (n = 795). This cross-sectional study used logistic regression models to assess intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors among individuals willing to use PrEP versus individuals unwilling or unsure to use PrEP. RESULTS Our study population had a mean age of 37 years, predominantly lived in urban areas (65%), had stable housing (96.7%), and had private insurance/Medicare (78.2%). Overall, 29.6% reported willingness to use PrEP, 35.6% reported unwillingness to use PrEP, and 34.8% were unsure of PrEP use. The multivariable analysis showed that, compared with individuals reporting unwillingness/unsure to PrEP use, those reporting willingness to PrEP use were younger (adjusted odds ratio [AOR; 95% confidence interval {CI}], 0.97 [0.96-0.99]), had lower odds of intimate partner violence (AOR [95% CI], 0.87 [0.78-0.98), and had higher odds of organizational religiosity (AOR [95% CI], 1.10 [1.01-1.20]), HIV knowledge (AOR [95% CI], 1.08 [1.03-1.13]), and perceived need for PrEP (AOR [95% CI], 6.38 [3.36-12.11]). CONCLUSIONS Preexposure prophylaxis willingness among Black CGW was impacted by individual-level, interpersonal, and structural factors. Improving PrEP willingness and uptake among Black CGW will require multilevel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Sohail
- From the Departments of Medicine and Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Sophus AI, Mitchell JW, Sales JM, Braun K. "Our Community Comes First": Investigating Recruitment Ads That Represent and Appeal to Black Women for Online, HIV-Related Research Studies. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01800-5. [PMID: 37723375 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women are underrepresented in health-related research. Consulting Black women in the creation of recruitment materials may help increase their representation in research studies, but few of these recruitment materials have been evaluated. This manuscript reports on the impact of two ads (one featuring older women and one featuring younger women) created through multiple focus group sessions with Black women. The purpose of the ads were to recruit Black women to participate in an online research study about HIV prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Questions about the ads were embedded in the eligibility screener for inclusion in the online parent research study. Respondents were asked which ad they saw, what they liked about it, and what about the ad piqued their interest in the study. RESULTS In total, 301 Black women completed the eligibility screener for the online study and answered questions pertaining to the two ads. Most participants reported seeing the ad with younger women (260/301, 86.4%). Representation of Black women (n = 70), ad design (n = 64), relevance to Black women and the Black community (n = 60), and comprehensiveness of ad content (n = 38) were the top 4 ad features respondents liked. Relevance to Black women and the Black community (n = 104) as well as ad content (n = 54) (i.e., study purpose, location, duration, images, incentive) were the top two reasons provided about ads that piqued respondent's interest in the online study. CONCLUSION Findings showcase how recruitment ads informed by Black women could help increase their interest and participation in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber I Sophus
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Jason W Mitchell
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | | | - Kathryn Braun
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai'i - Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Smit F, Masvawure TB. Barriers and Facilitators to Acceptability and Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Black Women in the United States: a Systematic Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01729-9. [PMID: 37531021 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provides a salient avenue to address the profound HIV-related health disparities that Black women in the United States face. This systematic review assessed the acceptability of PrEP within this population, and identified barriers and facilitators to its acceptability and uptake. METHODS We searched PubMed and Web of Science using 48 search input combinations; this produced 338 unique articles, 16 of which were included in the review. RESULTS We analyzed the results using the socio-ecological model (SEM). Findings indicate generally positive attitudes towards PrEP among Black women, although acceptance levels vary widely. Individual-level barriers included inadequate levels of PrEP awareness and knowledge, low HIV-risk perception, and concerns about adherence and side effects; interpersonal-level barriers were the influence of sexual and romantic partners and stigma from family; societal-level barriers included lack of PrEP marketing towards Black women, medical mistrust, cost, and structural violence. The main facilitators at the individual-level were PrEP education and information; at the interpersonal-level, distrust in sexual partners, healthcare provider encouragement, and social support; at the societal-level, PrEP accessibility, and affordability. No community-level barriers or facilitators were identified. CONCLUSIONS PrEP should be marketed directly to Black women in the US and campaigns should highlight this medication's effectiveness, accessibility, affordability, and safety. Medical mistrust must also be addressed to enable Black women to feel comfortable following their healthcare providers' advice regarding PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frerik Smit
- Department of International Development, Community and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Tsitsi B Masvawure
- Health Studies Program, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St, Worcester, MA, 01602, USA
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Sprague Martinez L, Scott JC, Rocco M, Rajabiun S, Flores Rodriguez C, Cummings R, McKinney-Prupis E, Minott M, Walker-Jones J, Downes A, Wangari Walter A. Policies enacted during COVID-19 came with unintended health benefits: why go back? BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:496. [PMID: 37194099 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of bundled interventions to improve the engagement and retention of Black women in HIV care. METHODS Pre-implementation interviews conducted between January and April 202 L with 12 demonstration sites implementing bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Directed content analysis was employed to examine the site interview transcripts. RESULTS The pandemic intensified barriers to care and harmful social conditions. However, COVID-19 also forced pivots in health care and social service delivery and some of these changes benefited Black women living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The continuation of policies that support the material needs of Black women with HIV and ease access to care is critical. Racial capitalism impedes the enactment of these policies and thus threatens public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie Rocco
- Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA, US
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