The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3172.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - Board 10

Abstract #47448

Women with HIV enhance research study planning and implementation

Mardge H. Cohen, MD1, Yolanda Olszewski, MPH, MS1, Jenny Jung1, Denise Jamieson, MD2, Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH3, Michele Robey1, and Faridah Love1. (1) Cook County Hospital, 2020 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612, 312 572-4551, mcohen@corecenter.org, (2) CDC, 8 Corporate Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30329, (3) Northwestern University, 333 E. Superior Street Rm 410, Chicago, IL 60611

Background: Consumer participation in implementing a multi-site intervention in labor and delivery settings using rapid testing to identify and treat HIV-infected women.

Methods: The Chicago site of the CDC Mother Infant Rapid Intervention At Delivery (MIRIAD) study provides rapid HIV testing at 4 high seroprevalent obstetric units. Women eligible for rapid testing have no documented HIV status and little to no prenatal care. We are evaluating whether participants are able to comprehend both their newly diagnosed HIV status, make decisions that affect themselves and their newborns, and continue their HIV care after delivery. Women with HIV who had previously been pregnant constituted a Community Advisory Board and attended focus groups to discuss informed consent language, timing and approach during labor, receipt of rapid test results, and preparation for initiating therapy. These insights helped direct training of labor and delivery staff. Consumers participated in training sessions through role playing and discussion. Videotapes of this session were used in subsequent trainings.

Results: Consumer participation provides valuable insight into issues faced by HIV infected women during labor and delivery: their vulnerability, ability to process new information in overwhelming circumstances, and willingness to make decisions to influence positive outcomes for the newborns. Having consumers participate in the training of labor and delivery staff provides a personal and convincing perspective on how to best approach this population.

Conclusions: Consumer participation should be actively sought in framing and implementing training for staff involved in studies on pregnant HIV-infected women in order to have successful outcomes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CDC
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.

HIV Risk Behaviors and Comorbidities

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA