Citation

Stockman JK, Anderson KM, Tsuyuki K, Horvath KJ. J. Health Care Poor Underserved 2021; 32(Suppl 2): 166-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Johns Hopkins University Press)

DOI

10.1353/hpu.2021.0056

PMID

34934301

PMCID

PMC8687146

Abstract

In the U.S., Black women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) are affected disproportionately by interpersonal violence, which often co-occurs with adverse mental health and/or substance use, and exacerbates existing poor HIV care outcomes. Peer navigation has been successful in improving HIV care; however, HIV clinics often lack resources for sustainability and may not account for socio-structural barriers unique to Black WLHA. To address this gap, we developed LinkPositively, a culturally-tailored, trauma-informed WebApp for Black WLHA affected by interpersonal violence to improve HIV care outcomes. Using focus group data from nine Black WLHA and peer navigators, we developed LinkPositively. Core components include: virtual peer navigation to facilitate skill-building to cope with barriers and navigate care; social networking platform for peer support; educational and self-care tips; GPS-enabled resource locator for HIV care and support service agencies; and medication self-monitoring/reminder system. If efficacious, LinkPositively will shift the HIV prevention and care paradigm for Black WLHA.

Language: en

Keywords

Black women; HIV care; interpersonal violence; peer navigation; social networking; Webapp