Objective: HIV prevention programs typically focus on primary prevention, rather than providing support services for those already infected with HIV. In addition, the prevention needs of women have often been ignored. This study was part of a larger qualitative study commissioned by the Department of Public Health in Massachusetts to examine the secondary prevention needs of HIV infected women. Focus group participants provided recommendations for additional or enhanced services to better service HIV infected women.
Methods: Six focus groups (45 participants) were held in different regions and represented the diversity of HIV infected women in Massachusetts. Sixty-two percent of the participants were women of color and ages ranged from 20-65 with a mean of 39.
Results: Women highlighted the need to improve services for HIV-infected women by providing enhanced support and better integration of existing services, as well as improving sensitivity among staff. Participants expressed a desire for increased emotional and educational support in the areas of testing, disclosure, transmission and co-infection, and treatment. They proposed integration of HIV-related services with drug treatment, nutrition and holistic health services, and more transitional housing from detox and prison. Insensitive staff was identified as a primary barrier to accessing services and quality of care. To remedy this, participants suggested sensitivity training for staff and hiring staff that mirrors the clients they serve.
Conclusion: Including HIV-infected women in the process of program development provided consumers with the opportunity to make concrete recommendations as to how a state agency can better address their unique needs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) articulate the process of assessing prevention needs through the use of focus groups; 2) identify five recommendations for how to improve services for HIV infected women; 3) describe ways in which these recommendations might be implemented
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: HIV/AIDS Bureau at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Fenway Community Health recieved grant money from the HIV/AIDS Bureau of DPH that funded the focus groups for this needs assessment of HIV infected women