A Randomized Control Trial of Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD)
University of Miami
Summary
This is a study for Black women living with HIV to test a counseling program for Black women living with HIV. This participant may be a good fit if the participant is a Black woman, living with HIV, has a history of trauma, and is currently taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medicines
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion criteria: 1. Black 2. Living with HIV 3. Cis-gender female 4. Age 18 or older 5. English speaking 6. Viral load non-suppression (\>200 ml) within the past year or a lack of HIV viral load measure for 6 consecutive months or more during the past 12 months 7. History of trauma/abuse 8. Capable of completing and fully understanding the informed consent process and study procedures Exclusion criteria: 1. Unable to completely and fully understand the informed consent process and the study procedures 2. Significantly interfering mental health symptoms (e.g., active psychosis that is unt…
Interventions
- BehavioralSTEP-AD
This in-person STEP-AD intervention will consist of 10 sessions. Session 1: Life Steps Adherence Session 2: Psychoeducation on the treatment model Session 3: Substance Use and Enhancing Resilience Session 4: Trauma Impact Session 5: Cognitive Restructuring Session 6: Racial Discrimination Impact and Coping Session 7: HIV Stigma Impact and Coping Session 8: Gender-related Stressors and Coping Session 9: Body Image and Healthy Relationships Session 10: Practice, Review, and Relapse Prevention. Each session lasts for about 40 to 60 minutes.
- BehavioralEnhanced treatment as usual (E-TAU)
Participants assigned to the E-TAU condition will receive 10 in person sessions to ensure comparable contact time with study staff and identical incentives. The first session will consist of a session on healthy living with HIV (CDC content on HIV 101 \[highlights importance of engaging in care, adhering to medication, finding support\], nutrition, and physical activity. The remaining 9 sessions will consist of neutral (daily events) writing. Women will be asked to write a description of their plans for the next 24 hours.
Location
- University of MiamiMiami, Florida