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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Scott Rhodes, PhD, MPH, CHES, Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Public Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1063, 336-713-5080, srhodes@wfubmc.edu, Kenneth Hergenrather, PhD, MSEd, MRC, Department of Counseling/Human and Organizational Studies, The George Washington University, 2134 G Street, NW, #318, Washington, DC 20052, and Aimee Wilkin, MD, MPH, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157.

Background: Little is known about the experiences of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in some regions of the United States that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

Methods: The study used photovoice, an innovative and action-oriented method of community-based participatory research (CBPR), to uncover the realities of living with HIV/AIDS though photographic documentation and Freirean-based critical dialogue, and reach local community members and leaders, policy makers, and advocates to develop plans of action and effect change.

Results: From the participants' photographs and words, 7 themes emerged that provided contextual descriptions of living with HIV/AIDS in the southern US and were presented during a Community Forum. Three main outcomes occurred as a result of this study to affect the lives of PLWHA, including a participant-developed and locally-funded gallery exhibition to address HIV/AIDS misinformation and stigma; a new partnership with the public health department to utilize PLWHA in their prevention programming; and increased community efforts to address substance use.

Conclusions: Photovoice provided an emic perspective on living with HIV/AIDS that may not have been available using other methods. Indigent PLWHA authored individual and collective stories that represented how they experience living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, this study revealed the relevance and effectiveness of CBPR with indigent PLWHA. Participants wanted to be engaged in processes that allowed them to apply their assets toward identifying and addressing challenges. Given the immediate needs brought by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, research and practice that build knowledge while effecting change must be a priority.

Learning Objectives: