Abstract
This study examined feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a pilot randomized controlled trial (BRIDGES) designed to improve HIV care outcomes among syndemic-affected women living with HIV (WLHA). We enrolled and randomized adult WLHA who were out-of-care or at risk of falling out-of-care and experienced any syndemic condition(s) into BRIDGES (n = 11) or standard of care (n = 13). BRIDGES employed peer navigation one-on-one sessions and six weekly 2-h video psychoeducation group sessions. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through participant quantitative and semistructured interviews. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted to evaluate the preliminary effects of BRIDGES. BRIDGES was highly feasible and acceptable. Intervention participants demonstrated improved self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy at 3 months, and better engagement and retention in care and viral suppression at 12 months compared to control participants. BRIDGES is a promising program to provide syndemic-affected WLHA with the tools needed to mitigate social and structural barriers to HIV care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 242-262 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Research on Social Work Practice |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2023 |
Keywords
- HIV care continuum
- mental health
- peer navigation
- social support
- syndemic
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science
- General Psychology