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Helping HIV+ Women Live Better: A Writing Intervention to Promote Adherence
Purpose:
Most HIV/AIDS research has been descriptive and targeted towards men. Interventions frequently focused on prevention rather than assisting people with HIV/AIDS through support groups, education, exercise, relaxation and stress management. Therefore little is known about how to help women with HIV/AIDS live with their disease. This study will test a model, which synthesizes social, cognitive, behavioral, and immunologic theories to capture the complexity of living with HIV/AIDS for women.
Methods: An experimental design is being used to evaluate the efficacy of EWD on: health related quality of life, disease status, and adherence to therapeutic regimen in a group of women with HIV/AIDS. A 2X3 repeat measure Multiple Analysis of Co-Variance will be used to assess difference between groups over time, with time one measurement as the co-variant. Status: Target enrollment N=64, with completion sample needed experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Participant enrollment (n= 51). Usable cases with completed data (n=44). Completed study: (N=44) control (n=23) and experimental group (n=21). Lost to follow-up: n=6 (3 each control and experimental). Data has been entered into the computer and preliminary runs have been completed. Findings: Preliminary analysis shows that all of the women were able to complete the intervention regardless of race. The intervention group cognitively reorganized. There was a significant difference in a reduction of stigma at 3 months for the intervention group compared with the control participants.
Dissemination: A poster presentation “Helping HIV+ Women Live Better: The Methodology of a Writing Intervention.” Promoting Health in Underserved Populations: Persons with Chronic and Disabling Conditions,” at the CHPR Conference April 7, 2005.
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