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Wyatt GE, Norwood-Scott E, Cooley-Strickland M, Zhang M, Smith-Clapham A, Jordan W, Liu H, Hamilton AB. Increasing Urban African American Women's Readiness for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: A Pilot Study of the Women Prepping for PrEp Plus Program (WP3+). Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:241-249. [PMID: 38267337 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American women are disproportionately at risk for HIV infection. To increase women's readiness to consider taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), we conducted a pilot study of Women Prepping for PrEP Plus (WP3+). Adapted from an evidence-based HIV risk reduction intervention for African American couples who are HIV-serodiscordant, WP3+ is a group-based culturally congruent program designed for African American women without HIV. METHODS Women were screened for eligibility; if eligible, they were invited to participate in the four-session WP3+ group. Participants completed surveys at baseline (n = 47) and post-implementation (n = 28); surveys assessed demographics, HIV and PrEP knowledge, depression and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, substance use, sexual risk behaviors, health care-related discrimination, and social support. In a process evaluation, a subset of women completed qualitative interviews at baseline (n = 35) and post-implementation (n = 18); the interviews were designed to converge with (e.g., on HIV and PrEP knowledge) and expand upon (e.g., unmeasured perceived impacts of WP3+) quantitative measures. To triangulate with the quantitative data, deductive qualitative analysis concentrated on women's knowledge and awareness of PrEP and HIV, their relationship dynamics and challenges, and their considerations (e.g., barriers, facilitators) related to taking PrEP; inductive analysis focused on women's experiences in the intervention. RESULTS Participants in the WP3+ intervention reported: improved proportion of condom use in the past 90 days (p < .01) and in a typical week (p < .05); reduced PTS symptoms (p < .05); increased HIV knowledge (p < .0001) and awareness of PrEP (p < .001); and greater consideration of using PrEP (p < .001). In interviews, participants expressed not only increased knowledge but also appreciation for learning how to protect themselves against HIV, communicate with their partners, and take charge of their health, and they expressed greater receptiveness to using PrEP as a result of the knowledge and skills they gained. CONCLUSIONS The WP3+ pilot study demonstrated preliminary efficacy and acceptability as an HIV-prevention program for African American women. A controlled trial is needed to confirm its efficacy for increasing PrEP use among African American women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail E Wyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Enricka Norwood-Scott
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michele Cooley-Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Muyu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amber Smith-Clapham
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Wilbert Jordan
- Charles R. Drew University/OASIS Clinic, Los Angeles, California
| | - Honghu Liu
- Section of Public and Population Health, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Departments of Biostatistics and Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
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Flores JJ, Huang S, Sawyer S, Thomas M, Venegas L, Burke MW, Blankenship KM, Wutoh A. Developing an Inclusive Generation of HIV Researchers Through Diversity and Community. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:S53-S59. [PMID: 37707849 PMCID: PMC10503029 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003252] [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: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The DC Center for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI) is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) students engaged in HIV research by providing an opportunity to participate in research and developing a sense of self-efficacy and community. SETTING Currently in its second year, the program provides high school (HS) and undergraduate (UG) URM students (CFAR scholars) HIV mentored-research opportunities, and a range of professional development, outreach, and volunteer opportunities meant to build a sense of community and promote self-efficacy. A near-peer mentoring program, led by graduate students leads (GSL), was added in the second year to enhance community building. METHODS We conducted a descriptive evaluation of the program using both individual surveys distributed to program participants and a series of focus groups conducted with current HS and UG scholars, and GSL. RESULTS Based on initial evaluation results, this program was able to recruit a diverse group of scholars who have persisted in mentored HIV research, increased interests in pursuing careers in HIV research and care, developed research competencies, and increased confidence and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION Our long-term goal is to build on this program by annually recruiting new cohorts, providing multiyear support to UG scholars, and developing additional evaluation tools to measure program impacts on the career trajectories of program participants, and identify program characteristics associated with those impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justino J. Flores
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Shihui Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, D.C
| | - Simone Sawyer
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Miracle Thomas
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, D.C
| | - Luz Venegas
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Mark W. Burke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, D.C
| | | | - Anthony Wutoh
- Office of the Provost, Howard University, Washington, D.C
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Stoff DM, Bowleg L, del Río-González AM, Rodriguez-Diaz CE, Zea MC. Critical Perspectives on Expanding Racial/Ethnic Diversity in the HIV Research Workforce: Comorbidities and Mentoring. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:10901981231157795. [PMID: 36924258 PMCID: PMC10977082 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231157795] [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] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV-related comorbidities in underrepresented minority populations are reframed to include the co-occurring problems of systemic and structural barriers, within the mentoring context as a buffer and as action-oriented. This framework is discussed to improve racial and ethnic minority diversity in the research workforce from the perspectives of HIV comorbidities and mentoring. An integrated and coordinated approach to HIV-related comorbidities and inequities may be helpful when combined with research on the social-structural contributions as drivers to diversify the research workforce. We emphasize how these key research issues (a) provide a platform for training and retraining a highly motivated, diverse workforce and (b) facilitate the empowerment of these trained individuals to conduct rigorous scientific research on social-structural factors to mitigate the effects of these comorbidities. We conclude that a diverse research workforce is necessary but insufficient for improving training-related outcomes or reducing comorbidity effects. Additional considerations are warranted that include systemic approaches and changes at the structural and institutional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Stoff
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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4
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Loeb TB, Ebor MT, Smith-Clapham AM, Chin D, Novacek DM, Hampton-Anderson JN, Norwood-Scott E, Hamilton AB, Brown AF, Wyatt GE. How Mental Health Professionals Can Address Disparities in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:60-69. [PMID: 34025223 DOI: 10.1037/trm0000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unparalleled crisis, yet also a unique opportunity for mental health professionals to address and prioritize mental and physical health disparities that disproportionately impact marginalized populations. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have long experienced structural racism and oppression, resulting in disproportionately high rates of trauma, poverty, and chronic diseases that span generations and are associated with increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates. The current pandemic, with the potential of conferring new trauma exposure, interacts with and exacerbates existing disparities. To assist mental health professionals in offering more comprehensive services and programs for those who have minimal resources and the most profound barriers to care, four critical areas are highlighted as being historically problematic and essential to address: (a) recognizing psychology's role in institutionalizing disparities; (b) examining race/ethnicity as a critical variable; (c) proactively tackling growing mental health problems amidst the COVID-19 crisis; and (d) understanding the importance of incorporating historical trauma and discrimination in research and practice. Recommendations are provided to promote equity at the structural (e.g., nationwide, federal), professional (e.g., the mental health professions), and individual (e.g., practitioners, researchers) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamra Burns Loeb
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Megan T Ebor
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Amber M Smith-Clapham
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Dorothy Chin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Derek M Novacek
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095.,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90073
| | - Joya N Hampton-Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30322
| | - Enricka Norwood-Scott
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095.,Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90073
| | - Arleen F Brown
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research (GIM and HSR), University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095.,Division of GIM and HSR, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, USA, 91342
| | - Gail E Wyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095
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Vital Voices: HIV Prevention and Care Interventions Developed for Disproportionately Affected Communities by Historically Underrepresented, Early-Career Scientists. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1456-1466. [PMID: 33128188 PMCID: PMC7598237 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Background HIV prevention interventions which support engagement in care and increased awareness of biomedical options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are highly desired for disproportionately affected Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) populations in the United States (US). However, in almost 40 years of HIV research, few interventions have been developed directly by and for these priority populations in domestic counties most at risk. We submit that interventions developed by early-career scientists who identify with and work directly with affected subgroups, and which include social and structural determinants of health, are vital as culturally tailored HIV prevention and care tools. Methods We reviewed and summarized interventions developed from 2007 to 2020 by historically underrepresented early-career HIV prevention scientists in a federally funded research mentoring program. We mapped these interventions to determine which were in jurisdictions deemed as high priority (based on HIV burden) by national prevention strategies. Results We summarized 11 HIV interventions; 10 (91%) of the 11 interventions are in geographic areas where HIV disparities are most concentrated and where new HIV prevention and care activities are focused. Each intervention addresses critical social and structural determinants of health disparities, and successfully reaches priority populations. Conclusion Focused funding that supports historically underrepresented scientists and their HIV prevention and care intervention research can help facilitate reaching national goals to reduce HIV-related disparities and end the HIV epidemic. Maintaining these funding streams should remain a priority as one of the tools for national HIV prevention.
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Nunn A, Jeffries WL, Foster P, McCoy K, Sutten-Coats C, Willie TC, Ransome Y, Lanzi RG, Jackson E, Berkley-Patton J, Keefer M, Coleman JD. Reducing the African American HIV Disease Burden in the Deep South: Addressing the Role of Faith and Spirituality. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:319-330. [PMID: 31444712 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nearly half of HIV infections in the United States are concentrated among African Americans, and over half of new HIV infections occur in the South. African Americans have poorer outcomes in the entire continua of HIV and PrEP care. Complex social, structural, and behavioral factors contribute to our nation's alarming racial disparities in HIV infection, particularly in the Deep South. Despite the importance of faith, spirituality and religious practice in the lives of many African Americans, there has been little scientific investment exploring how African Americans' religious participation, faith and spirituality may impact our nation's HIV epidemic. This article summarizes the state of the science on this critical issue. We also identify opportunities for new scholarship on how faith, spirituality and religious participation may impact HIV care continuum outcomes in the South and call for greater federal research investment on these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nunn
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA.
| | - William L Jeffries
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antlanta, USA
| | - Pamela Foster
- Department of Community Medicine/Population Health, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa Regional Campus, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Katryna McCoy
- School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Washington - Bothell, Bothell, USA
| | - Cassandra Sutten-Coats
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
| | - Tiara C Willie
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Robin Gaines Lanzi
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Edward Jackson
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Michael Keefer
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Jason D Coleman
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, USA
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Alegría M, Fukuda M, Lapatin Markle S, NeMoyer A. Mentoring future researchers: Advice and considerations. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2019; 89:329-336. [PMID: 31070418 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite efforts to increase the diversity of academia, minority scholars continue to face significant barriers (e.g., higher financial burden, lack of institutional support for research interests, social isolation) that undermine their representation in the field and overall professional success. Researchers have suggested increased mentorship as a means of mitigating these challenges. In 2015, with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a panel of senior investigators met via WebEx to discuss strategies to improve the mentorship of underrepresented scholars. The topics covered by this panel included factors that optimize or challenge mentorship based on personal experience, what is special about mentorship in the context of race/ethnicity, relational dynamics, work-life balance, discrimination, and how to address challenges to the mentoring relationship. The current article provides an overview of the convening and synthesizes the lessons learned by panelists' first-hand experiences of mentoring trainees and junior faculty of color. Authors conclude with recommendations and a description of the social and institutional implications of bolstering the professional support of minority scholars. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Fukuda
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Amanda NeMoyer
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
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8
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Wheeler DP, Fields SD, Beauchamp G, Chen YQ, Emel LM, Hightow‐Weidman L, Hucks‐Ortiz C, Kuo I, Lucas J, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Nelson LE, Hendrix CW, Piwowar‐Manning E, Shoptaw S, Watkins P, Watson CC, Wilton L. Pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in three US cities: results from the HPTN 073 study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25223. [PMID: 30768776 PMCID: PMC6376611 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, limited research has examined initiation and adherence to PrEP among Black MSM (BMSM) in the United States (US) who are disproportionately represented among newly HIV infected and late to care individuals. This research reports on the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 (HPTN 073) study aimed to examine PrEP initiation, utilization and adherence among Black MSM utilizing the theoretically principled, culturally informed and client-centered care coordination (C4) model. METHODS The HPTN 073 study enrolled and followed 226 HIV-uninfected Black MSM in three US cities (Los Angeles, CA; Washington DC; and Chapel Hill, NC) from February 2013 through September 2015. Study participants were offered once daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) PrEP combined with C4 and followed up for 52 weeks. Participants received HIV testing, risk reduction education and clinical monitoring. RESULTS Of the 226 men enrolled, 178 participants initiated PrEP (79%), and of these 64% demonstrated PrEP utilization at week 26 (mid-point of the study) based on pharmacokinetic testing. Condomless anal sex with an HIV-infected or unknown status casual male partner was statistically significantly associated with a greater likelihood of PrEP initiation (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 11.7). Greater age (≥25 vs. <25, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.37 -6.37), perception of having enough money (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.7) and knowledge of male partner taking PrEP before sex (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.79) were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of PrEP adherence at week 26. Annualized HIV incidence was 2.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.9) among those who initiated PrEP, compared to 7.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 24.1) among those who did not initiate PrEP (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest a high level of PrEP initiation among at-risk Black MSM, a group historically characterized as hard to reach. The data support the importance of addressing contextual factors that affect PrEP initiation and adherence, and of additional research on the ultimate benefit of PrEP in HIV prevention among Black MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheldon D Fields
- School of Health ProfessionsNew York Institute of TechnologyNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Geetha Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP)Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD)Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Ying Q Chen
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP)Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD) and Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Lynda M Emel
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP)Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD)Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Lisa Hightow‐Weidman
- Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Irene Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMilken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMilken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway InstituteFenway HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMAUSA
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of NursingUniversity of RochesterRochesterNYUSA
- Centre for Urban Health SolutionsLi Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt. Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada
| | - Craig W Hendrix
- Department of Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology)John Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Estelle Piwowar‐Manning
- Department of PathologyJohn Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Present address:
CRS director for the GWU site and HPTN Black Caucus Chair
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family MedicineDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA
| | | | | | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human DevelopmentState University of New York at BinghamtonBinghamtonNYUSA
- Faculty of HumanitiesUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
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Milburn NG, Hamilton AB, Lopez S, Wyatt GE. Mentoring the next generation of behavioral health scientists to promote health equity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2019; 89:369-377. [PMID: 31070422 PMCID: PMC7577403 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Health inequities and disparities among various racial/ethnic minority, sexual minority, and rural populations are the focus of increasing national efforts. Three health problems disproportionately affecting these populations-HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and trauma-deserve particular attention because of their harmful effects on health across the life span. To address these problems, our training program, the UCLA HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Training Program (HA-STTP), mentors and trains early career behavioral health scientists to conduct research using scientifically sound, culturally collaborative, and population-centered approaches. HA-STTP has been highly successful in training a diverse, productive, nationwide group of scholars. The program provides 2 years of training and mentorship to 20 (5 per year over 4 years) scholars. It is unique in its attention to traumatic stress as a form of dysregulation, particularly as experienced by underserved populations. Furthermore, our training program embraces a uniquely comprehensive, culturally grounded understanding of traumatic stress and its implications for substance abuse and HIV. HA-STTP advances scholars' knowledge of the interconnections among substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, traumatic stress, and health disparities, particularly in underrepresented populations; provides intensive mentorship to support scholars' research interests and career trajectories; capitalizes on a multidisciplinary, multiracial/ethnic network of expert faculty; and evaluates the program's impact on scholars' knowledge and productivity. By fostering the growth of scholars committed to conducting research with underrepresented populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and traumatic stress, this program enhances nationwide efforts to diminish the prevalence of these problems and improve health and quality of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Norweeta G Milburn
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Division of Population Behavioral Health, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobhavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Susana Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Division of Population Behavioral Health, University of California
| | - Gail E Wyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobhavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
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10
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Wheeler DP, Lucas J, Wilton L, Nelson LE, Hucks‐Ortiz C, Watson CC, Hutchinson C, Mayer KH, Kuo I, Magnus M, Beauchamp G, Shoptaw S, Emel LM, Chen YQ, Hightow‐Weidman L, Fields SD. Building effective multilevel HIV prevention partnerships with Black men who have sex with men: experience from HPTN 073, a pre-exposure prophylaxis study in three US cities. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21 Suppl 7:e25180. [PMID: 30334600 PMCID: PMC6193312 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human DevelopmentState University of New York at BinghamtonBinghamtonNYUSA
- Faculty of HumanitiesUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of NursingUniversity of RochesterRochesterNYUSA
- Centre for Urban Health SolutionsLi Ka Shing Knowledge InstituteSt. Michael's HospitalTorontoONCanada
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway InstituteFenway HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMAUSA
| | - Irene Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMilken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMilken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Geetha Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP)Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD)Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family MedicineDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA
| | | | - Ying Q Chen
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Lisa Hightow‐Weidman
- Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Sheldon D Fields
- School of Health ProfessionsNew York Institute of TechnologyNorthern BoulevardNYUSA
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11
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Abstract
Given the diversity of those affected by HIV, increasing diversity in the HIV biomedical research workforce is imperative. A growing body of empirical and experimental evidence supports the importance of strong mentorship in the development and success of trainees and early career investigators in academic research settings, especially for mentees of diversity. Often missing from this discussion is the need for robust mentoring training programs to ensure that mentors are trained in best practices on the tools and techniques of mentoring. Recent experimental evidence shows improvement in mentor and mentee perceptions of mentor competency after structured and formalized training on best practices in mentoring. We developed a 2-day "Mentoring the Mentors" workshop at UCSF to train mid-level and senior HIV researchers from around the country [recruited mainly from Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs)] on best practices, tools and techniques of effective mentoring. The workshop content was designed using principles of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and included training specifically geared towards working with early career investigators from underrepresented groups, including sessions on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and diversity supplements. The workshop has been held three times (September 2012, October 2013 and May 2015) with plans for annual training. Mentoring competency was measured using a validated tool before and after each workshop. Mentoring competency skills in six domains of mentoring-specifically effective communication, aligning expectations, assessing understanding, fostering independence, addressing diversity and promoting development-all improved as assessed by a validated measurement tool for participants pre- and -post the "Mentoring the Mentors" training workshops. Qualitative assessments indicated a greater awareness of the micro-insults and unconscious bias experienced by mentees of diversity and a commitment to improve awareness and mitigate these effects via the mentor-mentee relationship. Our "Mentoring the Mentors" workshop for HIV researchers/mentors offers a formal and structured curriculum on best practices, tools and techniques of effective mentoring, and methods to mitigate unconscious bias in the mentoring relationship. We found quantitative and qualitative improvements in mentoring skills as assessed by self-report by participants after each workshop and plan additional programs with longitudinal longer-term assessments focused on objective mentee outcomes (grants, papers, academic retention). Mentoring training can improve mentoring skills and is likely to improve outcomes for optimally-mentored mentees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gandhi
- HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Mallory Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Investigators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are grossly underrepresented in the nation's biomedical research enterprise. Projections of current demographic trends suggest that population growth rates of minority populations will outpace that of the Caucasian population by 2060. Thus, this workforce will remain a poor reflection of the U.S. POPULATION As a result of this underrepresentation of all sectors of the U.S. populace, the majority of the HIV research involving minority populations-those disproportionately impacted by HIV infection-will be conducted by investigators who do not resemble them. Although this does not necessarily preclude scientifically valid and important research, it produces research without the important cultural and contextual issues that can enhance the utility and generalizability of specific findings or interventions. The goal of this review is to not only raise awareness of the small numbers of minority investigators engaged in biomedical research, but also to identify the challenges to recruiting and retaining these investigators. In this article, while we discuss issues of diversity in general, the focus will be upon the mental health aspects of the HIV epidemic for illustrative purposes: to demonstrate the issues associated with enhancing investigator diversity as a strategy for remediating the chronic shortage of historically underrepresented investigators in scientific research. After presenting the magnitude of the problem and a rationale for enhancing diversity of the biomedical research workforce, we identify a number of potential reasons and challenges for the shortage of minority investigators. Aspects of the mentoring process, together with ten key suggestions, are discussed as the backdrop for the supplement papers that follow (dealing with mentoring principles, challenges, and mentoring-related issues on mentee, mentor, mentee-mentor relationship, and programs). By identifying these realities we hope to: (1) promote greater discussions of these challenges in academic institutions and settings; (2) suggest meaningful strategies to address these challenges; and (3) foster a national discussion about the long-term investment necessary for permanent change, as there are no easy 'fixes' for these challenges.
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Brewer RA, Dyer T, Watson CC, Scott H. Navigating Opportunities, Learning and Potential Threats: Mentee Perspectives on Mentoring in HIV Research. AIDS Behav 2016; 20 Suppl 2:258-64. [PMID: 27424003 PMCID: PMC10938162 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing the diversity of the HIV research workforce remains a priority for research and funding organizations in the US. Mentorship is a vital component for early-career investigators, especially for underrepresented racial/ethnic and sexual minority HIV investigators. These investigators face unique social and structural challenges to developing and fostering mentorship relationships, as well as building a solid foundation for a successful career in HIV research. This article provides a perspective from four Black early-career investigators, supplemented with comments from 15 underrepresented investigators in the US, as they reflect on their needs, challenges, contributions, and successes in finding the right mentor and mentorship environment, balancing the opportunities for, and "threats" to success, as well as providing mentorship to other underrepresented and aspiring HIV investigators. Mentorship programs must address these needs and challenges while building on the strengths of underrepresented HIV investigators in order to improve recruitment, retention and ultimately the pipeline of these researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Brewer
- Louisiana Public Health Institute, 1515 Poydras, Suite 1200, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Typhanye Dyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Sopher CJ, Adamson BJS, Andrasik MP, Flood DM, Wakefield SF, Stoff DM, Cook RS, Kublin JG, Fuchs JD. Enhancing diversity in the public health research workforce: the research and mentorship program for future HIV vaccine scientists. Am J Public Health 2014; 105:823-30. [PMID: 25122028 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We developed and evaluated a novel National Institutes of Health-sponsored Research and Mentorship Program for African American and Hispanic medical students embedded within the international, multisite HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and explored its impact on scientific knowledge, acquired skills, and future career plans. METHODS Scholars conducted social, behavioral, clinical, or laboratory-based research projects with HIV Vaccine Trials Network investigators over 8 to 16 weeks (track 1) or 9 to 12 months (track 2). We conducted an in-depth, mixed-methods evaluation of the first 2 cohorts (2011-2013) to identify program strengths, areas for improvement, and influence on professional development. RESULTS A pre-post program assessment demonstrated increases in self-reported knowledge, professional skills, and interest in future HIV vaccine research. During in-depth interviews, scholars reported that a supportive, centrally administered program; available funding; and highly involved mentors and staff were keys to the program's early success. CONCLUSIONS A multicomponent, mentored research experience that engages medical students from underrepresented communities and is organized within a clinical trials network may expand the pool of diverse public health scientists. Efforts to sustain scholar interest over time and track career trajectories are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Sopher
- Carrie J. Sopher, Blythe Jane S. Adamson, Michele P. Andrasik, Danna M. Flood, Steven F. Wakefield, Ryan S. Cook, and James G. Kublin are with the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA. David M. Stoff is with Neuropsychiatry of HIV/AIDS, AIDS Research Training, HIV/AIDS Health Disparities, Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD. Jonathan D. Fuchs is with San Francisco Department of Public Health and University of California, San Francisco, CA
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15
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Sutton MY, Lanier YA, Willis LA, Castellanos T, Dominguez K, Fitzpatrick L, Miller KS. Strengthening the network of mentored, underrepresented minority scientists and leaders to reduce HIV-related health disparities. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:2207-14. [PMID: 24134360 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We reviewed data for the Minority HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (MARI), which was established in 2003 to support underrepresented minority scientists performing HIV prevention research in highly affected communities. METHODS MARI was established at the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control as a program of competitively awarded, mentored grants for early career researchers conducting HIV prevention research in highly affected racial/ethnic and sexual minority communities. We have described progress from 2003 to 2013. RESULTS To date, MARI has mentored 27 scientist leaders using low-cost strategies to enhance the development of effective HIV prevention interventions. These scientists have (1) developed research programs in disproportionately affected communities of color, (2) produced first-authored peer-reviewed scientific and programmatic products (including articles and community-level interventions), and (3) obtained larger, subsequent funding awards for research and programmatic work related to HIV prevention and health disparities work. CONCLUSIONS The MARI program demonstrates how to effectively engage minority scientists to conduct HIV prevention research and reduce racial/ethnic investigator disparities and serves as a model for programs to reduce disparities in other public health areas in which communities of color are disproportionately affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Y Sutton
- At the time of the study, all authors were with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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16
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Williams JK, Wyatt GE, Wingood G. The four Cs of HIV prevention with African Americans: crisis, condoms, culture, and community. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2010; 7:185-93. [PMID: 20730512 PMCID: PMC2938440 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-010-0058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS continues to be a devastating epidemic with African American communities carrying the brunt of the impact. Despite extensive biobehavioral research, current strategies have not resulted in significantly decreasing HIV/AIDS cases among African Americans. The next generation of HIV prevention and risk reduction interventions must move beyond basic sex education and condom use and availability. Successful interventions targeting African Americans must optimize strategies that integrate socio-cultural factors and address institutional and historical barriers that hinder or support HIV risk reduction behaviors. Community-based participatory research to decrease the HIV/AIDS disparity by building community capacity and infrastructure and advocating for and distributing equitably, power and resources, must be promoted. Recommendations for paradigm shifts in using innovative theories and conceptual frameworks and for training researchers, clinicians, grant and journal reviewers, and community members are made so that culturally congruent interventions may be tested and implemented at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, C8-871C, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759 USA
| | - Gail E. Wyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, C8-871C, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759 USA
| | - Gina Wingood
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Forsyth AD, Stoff DM. Key issues in mentoring in HIV prevention and mental health for new investigators from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. Am J Public Health 2009; 99 Suppl 1:S87-91. [PMID: 19246661 PMCID: PMC2724928 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.155085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
We examine the challenges and barriers to quality mentoring for new investigators from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and propose solutions for establishing a robust pipeline of early-career scientists who are well equipped to conduct research on disparities in HIV and mental health. In addition, we review contributions to this special supplement on mentoring and advocate a multilevel strategy that targets funding agencies, academic and research institutions, mentors, and mentees to enhance the diversity of the nation's scientific workforce and ensure that the public health system benefits from innovations derived from the optimal use of existing human capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Forsyth
- Center for Mental Health Research on AIDS, National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Blvd, Room 6204, MSC 9619, Bethesda, MD 20892-9619, USA.
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18
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Stoff DM, Forsyth A, Marquez ED, McClure S. Introduction: the case for diversity in research on mental health and HIV/AIDS. Am J Public Health 2009; 99 Suppl 1:S8-15. [PMID: 19246664 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.153536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This introductory article provides background and sets the stage for the mentoring programs described in this special supplement. The goal of these programs is to develop scientists from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the area of HIV/AIDS research on issues related to mental health. We describe recent epidemiological trends associated with HIV infection in diverse populations, the need for mentoring programs to study disparities, and the ongoing mentoring programs supported by the National Institutes of Health targeting investigators underrepresented in the workforce. We also provide a summary of the content of the articles to follow. We conclude with a comment on future needs and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Stoff
- Center for Mental Health Researchon AIDS, National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892-9619, USA.
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