229014 Replicating a Peer-led Training Model for HIV Positive Women of Color

Monday, November 8, 2010

Javier G. Salazar , HealthHIV, Washington, DC
Connie Jorstad, MA, MPP , HealthHIV, Washington, DC
Christine Stewart, MPH , HealthHIV, Washington, DC
Background:

The majority of AAs ages 18-64 have never been tested for HIV despite AAs representing nearly half of HIV cases. An innovative training model from a national HIV non-profit enhances HIV prevention, care, and treatment for African American (AA) women to meet the critical need for HIV and HIV testing education for this population. The integrity of the model is enhanced by AA peers and local AA HIV champions.

Methods:

A comprehensive women's workshop provided a solid foundation to raise the profile of HIV in AA women. The workshop covers community-based case studies developed by an interdisciplinary team of AA health care providers. Qualitative data were collected from 39 interviews and six focus groups centering on HIV testing perceptions among AA participants.

Local statistics illustrating critical disconnects in HIV care and case study data were summarized and presented to 48 local AA HIV champions, and the event was televised to show AA women the particular relevance of HIV to their community.

Results:

The training model successfully highlighted the HIV needs of AA women, as evidenced by evaluation data from participants indicating a high degree of personal relevancy and the establishment of a professional support network of HIV champions. The training was integrated into local settings, and the model is replicating across the U.S.

Conclusions:

The HealthHIV training model gains widespread support for peer-led case study implementation and dissemination. This model is particularly needed in resource-constrained settings with a demographic density of AA women disproportionately infected and affected by HIV.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
This presentation will: • Explain up-to-date, unique program implementation approaches to expanding and sustaining HIV primary care professionals’ knowledge and communication within HIV primary care health systems • Describe information on meeting the needs of women of color; • Discuss effective HIV treatment for women of color; • Describe relationships and communication techniques among healthcare providers to improve treatment engagement; and • Discuss the challenges and strategies for implementing minority treatment strategies in resource-constrained treatment settings.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I participated in the assessment that was the basis for the qualitative study and continue to work on HealthHIV’s activities focused on building the capacity of primary care providers to deliver quality HIV primary care services to women of color living with HIV.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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