142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Achieving group cohesion and comfort with novel technologies: The experience of women living with HIV in a video group intervention

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 : 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Elizabeth Lockhart, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Laura Merrell, MPH, CPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Pamela C. Guevara, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Vickie Lynn, MPH, MSW , College of Public Health, Community and Family Health, Institute for Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Shana Green, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ayesha Johnson, MSc , University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Stephanie L. Marhefka, PhD , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: In-person behavioral interventions are not always feasible, particularly due to rural locations or stigma related to illness. Video-conferencing technology is an innovative way to deliver group interventions. However, there is little information regarding participants’ experiences with video-group (VG) interventions, and whether group cohesion can be achieved through VGs. We adapted a CDC approved Effective Behavioral Intervention, Healthy Relationships, for delivery via video-phones to women living with HIV (WLH). The adapted 6-session program was delivered as part of a feasibility randomized controlled trial. This mixed-methods study explores participants’ perceived group cohesion.

Methods: 71 WLH participated (n=36 immediate intervention; n=35 wait-list control) from 4 Florida counties. Groups consisted of 3-7 participants and met twice a week for 3 weeks. Most participants completed a group cohesion questionnaire after their last session (n=50) and a sub-sample (n=21) completed open-ended interviews with questions relating to their experiences in the program.

Results: Participants (M age=43.5; SD=8.304; 56% African-American/Black; 22% Caucasian; 16% Hispanic) reported group members respected the agreement of confidentiality (96%) and a positive relationship among the members (96%). Participants also reported feelings of unity and togetherness among members (94%) and they felt free to share information (94%). In the qualitative interviews women reported enjoying the VGs, noting increased comfort with themselves, connectedness with other WLH, knowledge and support. 

Conclusions: Findings indicate WLH felt connected in a VG intervention. VGs are a promising strategy for delivering behavioral interventions for WLH and can be used to derive meaningful relationships among participants.

Learning Areas:

Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact video-group delivery of “prevention with positives” interventions have on group cohesion and social support. Identify how innovative technologies can improve provide support, connected, and increased access for health programming.

Keyword(s): Women and HIV/AIDS, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a Master's Degree in Public Health and am a current PhD student whose primary interest of study is HIV prevention. I have been working on the current federally funded project for 2 years.
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.

Back to: 4235.0: Technology-Based HIV Prevention