Yale University

Identifying Culturally Appropriate Peer-based Interventions for Monolingual Spanish Speaking and Bilingual Hispanic Women with HIV, Substance Abuse, and Intimate Partner Violence: Preliminary Research

Principle Investigator(s):

Funder: CIRA
Project period: 03/26/2012 - 03/25/2013
Grant Type: Pilot Project

Abstract Text:

Research studies have documented a strong synergic association between HIV/AIDS, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and intimate partner violence among inner city minority females. These synergic interactions have been shown to contribute to negative mental and physical health outcomes and poor adherence to HIV medical care. However, limited empirical and qualitative information exist regarding the interplay among these variables in Hispanic females. Further, there are currently no evidence-based intervention approaches simultaneously targeting co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and intimate partner violence among women of Hispanic descent with HIV/AIDS.

The primary aims of this research are:

  1. To develop a conceptual model describing the interplay among barriers (i.e., co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and intimate partner violence) and facilitators to HIV/AIDS medical care Aamong Hispanic women with HIV/AIDS in New Haven and Hartford.
  2. To develop a culturally informed framework for a peer-provided intervention targeting our population of interest.
  3. To identify key methodological factors for conducting peer-based intervention research on Hispanic women with HIV/AIDS.

We will use a mixed methods approach, including:

  • Quantitative surveys on barriers to utilizing HIV/AIDS medical care, administered to 80 Hispanic women with HIV/AIDS infection.
  • In depth interviews with 24 Hispanic women living with HIV/AIDS, with at least six women representing each of these categories: (a) women in violent relationships, (b) women with mental health problems, (c) women with substance use disorders, and (d) women with lower levels of acculturation.
  • In depth interviews with 10 key informants from community, cultural, and faith-based organizations.

Our goal is to use the results of this project to inform the development of a peer-provided intervention, and the preparation of a Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34) or a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K 23) to NIMH.