Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122217

Susan L. Davies, PhD¹, Katharine E. Stewart, PhD², Trudi Horton¹, Angela Williams, CHW³, and Andy Wood, MS¹. (1) Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd., Suite 227, Birmingham, AL 35294, (205) 975-8049, sdavies@uab.edu, (2) College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, (3) Deep South Network for Cancer Control, 345 Fair Oak Drive, Fairfield, AL 35064

Incidence of HIV in the U.S. is increasing among heterosexual women of childbearing age. Many HIV-positive women experience the challenges of being both a caregiver for their children and a patient themselves. As effective therapeutics increase the lifespan of persons with HIV, a growing number of HIV+ women will maintain their role as parent for many years beyond their initial expectations. The Healthy MOMS (Making Our Mothers Stronger) intervention aims to reduce health-related stressors and improve social support networks among HIV+ mothers, and ultimately improve the functioning of families affected by HIV. Structured input was elicited from members of the priority population and relevant service providers through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Findings from this formative research were used to develop a culturally appropriate intervention that uses group discussion, problem solving, and social support to decrease mothers' stress, social isolation, and sexual risk-taking while increasing their ability to cope with the various issues related to living with HIV. Six weekly group sessions focus on a number of topics, including coping with stress and anxiety; enhancing nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, and substance use practices; adhering to medical regimens and medications; improving communication with health care providers; and communicating health needs to family, friends, and co-workers. Outcomes of this 5-year randomized, controlled trial include maternal physical health status and mental health status. This poster describes our formative work and subsequent intervention tailored to a significantly underserved population.

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