Development of a Technology-Based HIV Prevention Intervention for Black Women Who Use Substances

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The research objective of this proposal is to develop a technology-based HIV prevention intervention for Black women in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The intervention will be based on the previously developed culturally-adapted Safer Sex Skills Building intervention (SSSB), aligned with modern prevention efforts, and

informed by intersectionality. Black women with SUD continue to be gravely impacted by the HIV epidemic. In 2020, Black women made up 13% of the general female population yet accounted for over 50% of new HIV infections. Given the gender norms and social expectations (present within both Black and substance using

communities) related to sexual behavior, Black women with SUD are uniquely at risk. These women are also impacted by intersecting systems of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, substance use stigma) that influence HIV risk. These unique experiences underscore the need for culturally specific interventions. Furthermore, from

2015-2019, only 16.5% of Black women who needed SUD treatment received it. This disparity could result in a limited number of Black women within a single SUD treatment setting at the same time, which could be a barrier to in-person interventions. Technology-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness for SUD

treatment and HIV prevention/treatment among Black women, suggesting that technology could be leveraged to address this gap. The proposal has the following aims: 1) Examine psychological and social determinants of sexual risk behaviors among Black women in SUD treatment through an intersectional lens, 2) Deepen

understanding of sexual risk behavior through an intersectionality framework and identify culturally-informed approaches for reducing sexual risk behavior, and 3) Design a technology-based HIV prevention intervention for Black women in SUD treatment. Aligned with these research aims, my career goal is to be an independent

researcher focused on the design, implementation, and testing of culturally specific interventions to reduce HIV prevalence and other health disparities for racial/ethnic minorities with SUD. The training goals of this K23 Mentored Patient Oriented Career Development Award that will assist me in meeting my long-term goal are: 1)

Develop advanced knowledge of the mechanisms within intersectionality and social determinants of health that influence sexual risk behavior for racial/ethnic minorities, 2) Increase knowledge in qualitative and mixed method research methodologies, 3) Obtain training in the development of technology-based interventions that

target health behavior change among racial/ethnic minorities SUD, 4) gain knowledge in clinical trial design for culturally specific interventions, and 5) Participate in professional development activities, improve grant writing skills, and increase scholarly writing and dissemination. The research in this proposal will complement the

proposed training activities that I plan to complete at the University of California, San Francisco and will provide me with hands-on training with my proposed mentorship team.