Young Women-Focused HIV Prevention: Seek & Test in North Carolina Clinics

This study is funded by National Institute on Drug Abuse grant R01 DA041009

Addressing HIV Among Black/African American Women in the U.S. South

HIV disproportionately impacts Black/African American women and people who use substances in the United States. In North Carolina, Black/African American women comprised an estimated 70% of all female HIV diagnoses during 2018-2019.[1] Information regarding best practices for HIV prevention interventions using mHealth are not widely available for young Black/African American women. Lastly, while alcohol consumption is lower among Black/African American women than Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women,[2] research shows that the intersection between alcohol consumption and sexual risk related to HIV/STI transmission is an area for concern for Black/African American women in emerging adulthood as they experience more adverse effects related to their consumption than women of other races/ethnicities.[3]

[1] North Carolina HIV Surveillance Data 2019

[2] Products - Data Briefs - Number 374- August 2020 (cdc.gov)

[3] The Association Between Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American Women Across Three Developmental Periods: A Review | Bentham Science (eurekaselect.com)

HIV Risk Reduction Goals of the Young Women’s CoOp Intervention

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of an mHealth format of the evidence-based Young Women’s CoOp compared to the face-to-face version of the intervention and standard HIV counseling and testing among young Black/African American women with recent drug or alcohol use in three counties in North Carolina.

Our Approach to Evidence-Based HIV Prevention in Black/African American Women

This women’s HIV prevention study tested three arms: a face-to-face, mHealth, and standard of care arm to understand the best delivery method for the Young Women’s CoOp intervention. intervention focuses on empowerment and prevention, as well as addressing substance use and sexual risk behaviors through education, skills building and role play and rehearsal.

Exploring The Impact of the Young Women’s CoOp Intervention

This study will evaluate outcomes related to substance use, STIs, sexual risk, and overall satisfaction with the intervention. The follow-up research activities of this woman-focused HIV prevention project were unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, outcomes will still be robust and particularly relevant as more health providers are using mHealth and other electronic forms to deliver services due to the pandemic.

One participant, when asked whether participating in the Young Women’s CoOp HIV intervention program made her want to change anything in her life, said: "Yes.  I want to change how I communicate with the guy I'm currently sexually active with.  Also I want to limit my alcohol/drug use.  I practiced limiting my intoxication recently by not going out with my friends when I knew there would be a lot of alcohol."

Be on the lookout for results and outcomes of this project!

Read more about the study

Learn more about RTI's HIV Research and Global Health initiatives

Share

Our Experts

Wendee Wechsberg
Wendee Wechsberg Director, RTI Global Gender Center; Director, Substance Use, Gender, and Applied Research
Felicia Browne Senior Research Social Epidemiologist

Practice Areas

Global Health