The face of the HIV epidemic is being more and more defined as affecting women, young people and ethnic/racial minorities. The intervention approaches developed for other populations such as gay men, upper socioeconomic class and non-minority populations might not be as effective in particular for Hispanic women living with HIV. This research project enables investigators to determine the role of personal empowerment on better adherence to HAART and its consequence on improving immune status and prolonging survival in women living with HIV. The intervention model has been shown to be successful while preliminary data is still being subjected to statistical analysis. The study proposes to follow a cohort of 90 women living with HIV in whom a multidimensional Women's Empowerment Intervention will be carried out. Outcome variables will be measured at baseline and at several points post intervention. The outcome variables are: empowerment level, adherence, virologic suppression, immune status, as well as behavioral and psychological parameters. Adherence to antiretroviral therapies will be measured using an electronic monitoring devise (MEMS) and compared with self-report. The inclusion of an empowerment scale and specific measurement of adherence (MEMS cap) will generate new and valuable data on this particular population. The Women's HIV Empowerment Program is the first major study in Puerto Rico utilizing MEMS Cap technology and incorporating behavior intervention as well as psychologic and biologic measurements for a complete and multisystemic evaluation of the issues at hand.

Activity Coordinator