Many women participating in HIV behavioral preventive intervention studies, regardless of whether they receive the intervention or the control condition, require social work support services to address multiple psychosocial issues in their lives. In this paper we enumerate and describe the social needs of 360 women participating in a randomized gender-specific group-based HIV/STD preventive intervention. Eligible women were recruited from the waiting room of a Planned Parenthood Clinic in an HIV epicenter. After the completion of the baseline interview, which included a detailed sexual history, all women were seen by a social worker or a public health clinician who asked if she had any concerns that were raised by the interview. Women were then randomized to an 8-week, 4-week intervention or an assessment only condition. One-third of women reported at least one mental health issue (history of or current domestic violence, sexual abuse, rape, suicidal ideation, grief, drug use of self or family member, relationship problem with partner or family member) over the course of the study, 22% of them prior to exposure to the intervention. Assistance with obtaining social entitlements was requested by 8% of women. These concerns were addressed through referral to resources in the clinic or to other community agencies. Prevention researchers need to be aware of the multiple stresses in the lives of women at risk for HIV/STDs. It is critical to provide links to needed clinical services, above and beyond the support provided by the intervention. (This research was supported by NIMH Grant #P50MH43520).
Learning Objectives: DNA
Keywords: HIV Interventions, Social Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.