Equity-oriented HIV care: The role of violence, trauma-informed approaches, and prescription privacy

The purpose of the proposed project is to investigate the impact of violence on HIV care access. Women living with HIV experience extremely high rates of violence; however, little research has explored how violence impacts access to HIV care. Data will be drawn from the Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS: Longitudinal Women’s Needs Assessment Project (SHAWNA: 2014-present), a community-based research project of over 360 women living with HIV that live and/or access care in Metro Vancouver. This research project will examine whether violence is associated with greater difficulty accessing care and assess whether aspects of trauma- and violence-informed care (feeling safe, trust and transparency, empowerment) have a positive impact on HIV care outcomes, such as viral load and HIV medication use. Women’s avoidance of pharmacies a pharmacy change that transitioned HIV medication to be widely available to healthcare providers will be assessed. This research will identify ways that healthcare providers and systems can better provide equitable care for women living with HIV.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kathleen Deering;Gina Ogilvie

Student:

Partner:

Providence Health Care

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: