Factors Associated with the Separate and Concurrent Experiences of Food and Housing Insecurity Among Women Living with HIV in Canada

Exploring the consequences of housing insecurity on HIV treatment outcomes: Qualitative insights from Kisumu, Kenya

Housing insecurity (HI) is inextricably linked to poor health outcomes. Evidence suggests people living with HIV are more likely to experience poor psychological, physical, and nutritional health challenges. However, how housing insecurity might impact treatment outcomes among people living with HIV is under-explored. We examined the consequences of HI on treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in rural Kenya. Between July and August 2023. we purposively recruited and conducted 30 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions (n = 35) with adult men and women living with HIV. Guided by grounded theory, the data were analyzed in Dedoose and organised into themes. The structural violence framework was then used to contextualise the findings. We found that HI exacerbated poor health outcomes through perceived adherence challenges and increased occurrence of opportunistic diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and cough due to housing conditions. Additionally, we found that the cost of rebuilding and maintaining took away resources from other household needs. Improving HI thus may play a critical role in enhancing HIV treatment outcomes. Given the variety of ways housing, food, water, and HIV affect health, gaining insight into the relationships between these factors has tremendous implications for care and treatment.

Evaluation of the virtual care experience for persons in prospective cohorts with HIV during the COVID pandemic

The COVID pandemic necessitated shifting to virtual care. Our aim was to describe, and identify the challenges and satisfaction with the virtual care experience of a subset of participants from two established Canadian Trials Network (CTN) cohorts: CTN 222 (HIV/HCV coinfection) and CTN 314: CHANGE HIV (Correlates of Healthy Aging in geriatric HIV infection) - persons > 65 years age. We hypothesized that vulnerable populations could face challenges with virtual care related to age, mental health or drug addiction. Consenting participants provided demographic information, completed a non-validated 18-item self- administered questionnaire on their virtual care experience, and reported HIV specific laboratory collection and prescription refills during the COVID pandemic. Data on CD4 T lymphocyte counts and HIV viral loads were extracted from medical records. A total of 454 individuals participated between February 2021 and March 2023, including 133 from CTN 314 and 321 from CTN 222. Overall, 55.3% engaged in virtual care. In multivariable regression models (analysis with SAS and R software) use of virtual care was higher in the aging cohort (p < .0001) but did not vary with current alcohol, drug use or self-reported depression (p > .05). The most common reason for not engaging was that it was failure to offer. Of those who engaged, 55% reporting being very satisfied, 36.3% somewhat satisfied, and 8.8% not satisfied. Ten percent of the older and 16% of the HCV cohort, reported technology difficulties as a barrier to use. Those with a detectable HIV viral load were more likely to engage in virtual care, p < .05. 81.3% of participants had HIV blood tests as frequently as before the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite high satisfaction, the majority (80%) prefers in person visits. When offering virtual care, clinics need to ensure all eligible patients are aware of how to access the services and consider patient needs and preferences.

Exploring Associations Between Social Factors and Current Substance Use Among Older African Americans with HIV

Background: Substance use is highly prevalent among older people with HIV and continues to have a negative impact on engagement along the HIV care continuum, particularly among African Americans (AA). Social factors like resource insecurity, stigma, and discrimination may play a role in substance use behaviors. However, there is limited research on how these social factors impact substance use among older people with HIV.

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine associations between demographic and social factors and substance use among older AAs with HIV.

Results: Fifty-two participants who were ≥50 years of age, living in Ohio, and identified as Black or AA completed an online survey. Past three-month substance use was self-reported for alcohol, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, and/or amphetamine type stimulants. Separate unadjusted, logistic regression models were conducted to examine factors between each type of substance and HIV-related stigma, food and housing insecurity, discrimination, history of incarceration, employment status, and demographics. The majority of participants self-reported past three-month use of cocaine (53.8%), cannabis (67.3%), amphetamine type stimulants (51.9%), and risky alcohol use (85.0%), and half reported opioid use. HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and housing insecurity were all associated with increased odds of opioid, cocaine, and amphetamine use. Discrimination, food, and housing insecurity were associated with increased odds of cannabis use and risky alcohol use.

Conclusions: More research is needed to further understand how social factors impact substance use among older people with HIV. This understanding can lead to interventions that target these social factors which in turn reduces substance use.

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections by sex, methamphetamine use, and houselessness before, at, and after HIV diagnosis in Manitoba, Canada

Objectives

Describe the proportion of people newly living with HIV with sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) before, at, and after HIV diagnosis in Manitoba, Canada.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study reviewed clinical charts of all 404 people ≥18 years old newly diagnosed with HIV in Manitoba, Canada between 2018 and 2021. Syphilis, hepatitis C and B, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections before, at, and after HIV diagnosis were recorded and analyzed by sex at birth, injection drug use status, use of methamphetamines, and housing status.

Results

A total of 53% of people were diagnosed with syphilis, 44.1% with gonorrhea, 42.8% with chlamydia, and 40.6% with hepatitis C at least once. Among females, 64.1% had at least one or more STBBIs diagnoses before HIV diagnosis compared with 44.8% of males. Over 70% of people experiencing houselessness had at least one STBBI diagnosis before their HIV diagnosis compared with 43.9% of people not houseless. Among people who used methamphetamines, 68.3% had one or more STBBIs before HIV diagnosis compared with 28.9% of people who do not use methamphetamines. In a multivariable analysis houselessness, methamphetamine use, and younger age were associated with increased risk of any STBBIs.

Conclusions

In our Manitoba cohort of people living with HIV, disproportionately more females, people experiencing houselessness, and those who use methamphetamine were diagnosed with STBBIs. The proportion of new infections before HIV diagnoses highlights a missed opportunity to provide prevention modalities, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, and the proportion after HIV diagnosis emphasizes the importance of enhancing engagement, repeated testing, and educational strategies to ameliorate ongoing exposures.

Exploring Correlates of Resource Insecurity Among Older Black or African Americans with HIV in Ohio

OBJECTIVES

Resource insecurity is a social determinant of health that can impact people with HIV (PWH), in particular older African Americans (AA) or blacks with HIV. The purpose of this study was to identify resource insecurities among older Blacks or AA PWH specifically related to food and housing. Secondary focus was to find associations between resource insecurity and substance use history, stigma, and various forms of discrimination.

METHODS

Eligible participants (N = 52) of this cross-sectional study were 50 years old or older, identified as Black or AA, diagnosed with HIV, and living in Ohio. Food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and housing insecurity was defined as not having stable housing. Resource insecurity was categorized into food and housing secure, food or housing insecure, and food and housing insecure.

RESULTS

Almost half (48.1%) of participants reported housing insecurity, with approximately 58.0% experiencing food insecurity, and 38.5% facing both. Current substance use, particularly opiates, showed significant association with resource insecurity (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 1.91-17.30). Moreover, experiences of everyday (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10-1.30) or major forms (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.33-2.39) of discrimination, as well as HIV stigma (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01-1.55), were also linked to increased odds of resource insecurity among participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight how social factors contribute to resource insecurity among older AA PWH. Understanding the factors offers insight for targeted intervention in the fight against HIV transmission.

Associations of Early Prolonged Secondary Amenorrhea in Women With and Without HIV

Background

The menstrual cycle is a critical indicator of women's health. Early prolonged secondary amenorrhea increases risks for morbidity and mortality. Menstrual cycle research in women with HIV is inconsistent and often lacks an adequate comparison sample. We aimed to determine whether women with HIV have a higher lifetime prevalence of amenorrhea and whether this is independently associated with HIV and/or other biopsychosocial variables.

Methods

With data from 2 established HIV cohorts, participants assigned female at birth were eligible if aged ≥16 years, not pregnant/lactating, and without anorexia/bulimia nervosa history. Amenorrhea was defined by self-reported history of (1) no menstrual flow for ≥12 months postmenarche not due to pregnancy/lactation, medications, or surgery or (2) early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. Multivariable logistic regression models explored biopsychosocial covariates of amenorrhea.

Results

Overall, 317 women with HIV (median age, 47.5 years [IQR, 39.2-56.4]) and 420 women without HIV (46.2 [32.6-57.2]) were included. Lifetime amenorrhea was significantly more prevalent among women with HIV than women without HIV (24.0% vs 13.3%). In the multivariable analysis, independent covariates of amenorrhea included HIV (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.10-2.64]), older age (1.01 [1.00-1.04]), White ethnicity (1.92 [1.24-3.03]), substance use history (6.41 [3.75-11.1]), and current food insecurity (2.03 [1.13-3.61]).

Conclusions

Nearly one-quarter of women with HIV have experienced amenorrhea, and this is associated with modifiable risk factors, including substance use and food insecurity. Care providers should regularly assess women's menstrual health and advocate for actionable sociostructural change to mitigate risks.

Exploring Food and Nutrition Programming for People Living With HIV/AIDS: Interviews With Service Providers in Nova Scotia, Canada

There is a lack of nutritional programming and resources available for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This is problematic for several reasons, including that adequate food and nutrition knowledge is integrated to effective medical therapy and wellness for PLWHA. The aim of this research was to explore and describe the beliefs, values, and experiences of HIV-service providers involved programming for PLWHA in Nova Scotia. Using a post-structuralist lens, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine service providers. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified four main themes: (1) recognizing the social determinants of health, (2) acknowledging and disrupting layered stigma, (3) understanding the commensality, and (4) navigating and utilizing networks of care. These findings suggest that those developing, delivering, and evaluating food and nutrition-related programming must engage in community-inclusive approaches that recognize the varied social determinants of health that shape the lived of PLWHA, leverage existing networks and resources, and actively disrupt layered stigma. Also, in agreement with existing evidence, participants stressed the value of communicating and supporting the practice of eating together (commensality) and cultivating networks of care.

Gendered Racial Microaggressions, Self-silencing, Substance Use, and HIV Outcomes Among Black Women Living with HIV: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

To better understand factors that may contribute to HIV outcomes experienced by Black women living with HIV (BWLWH), the present study examined the relationships among gendered racial microaggressions (GRM; subtle daily insults due to racism and sexism), self-silencing, substance use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication adherence, and viral suppression using structural equation modeling and path analysis. Self-silencing and substance use were examined as potential mediators. Participants were 119 BWLWH residing in South Florida. Results of this study showed that GRM was directly and positively associated with self-silencing and indirectly and negatively associated with medication adherence via self-silencing. GRM was directly related to higher alcohol use disorder severity. Self-silencing was directly and negatively associated with medication adherence. Medication adherence was directly and negatively related to viral suppression. The model fit the data well. Identifying the negative consequences of GRM in conjunction with self-silencing and substance use may help inform prevention and intervention strategies to improve mental health and HIV-related outcomes among BWLWH.

Longitudinal Assessment of Bone Mineral Density in Women Living With and Without HIV Across Reproductive Phases

BACKGROUND

Women living with HIV commonly experience low areal bone mineral density (BMD), but whether this is affected by low ovarian hormonal states (prolonged amenorrhea or menopause) is unknown. We compared rates of BMD loss between women living with HIV and HIV-negative control women and investigated its association with low ovarian hormonal states.

SETTING

Women living with HIV were enrolled from Vancouver Canada and controls from 9 Canadian sites.

METHODS

This longitudinal analysis included age-matched women living with HIV in the Children and Women: AntiRetrovirals and Markers of Aging cohort and controls in the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. Rate of change/year in BMD at the total hip and lumbar spine (L1-L4) between 3 and 5 years was compared between groups, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Ninety-two women living with HIV (median [interquartile range] age: 49.5 [41.6-54.1] years and body mass index: 24.1 [20.7-30.8] kg/m 2 ) and 278 controls (age: 49.0 [43.0-55.0] years and body mass index: 25.8 [22.9-30.6] kg/m 2 ) were included. Total hip BMD loss was associated with HIV (β: -0.003 [95% CI: -0.006 to -0.0001] g/cm 2 /yr), menopause (β: -0.007 [-0.01 to -0.005] g/cm 2 /yr), and smoking (β: -0.003 [-0.006 to -0.0002] g/cm 2 /yr); BMD gain was linked with higher body mass index (β: 0.0002 [0.0007-0.0004] g/cm 2 /yr). Menopause was associated with losing L1-L4 BMD (β: -0.01 [-0.01 to -0.006] g/cm 2 /yr). Amenorrhea was not associated with BMD loss.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV and menopause negatively influenced total hip BMD. These data suggest women living with HIV require hip BMD monitoring as they age.

Prevalence, correlates, and quality-of-life outcomes of major or persistent pain among women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada

While women living with HIV (WLWH) are twice as likely to report severe or undertreated chronic pain compared to men, little is known about pain among WLWH. Our goal was to characterize the correlates of pain as well as its impact on quality-of-life outcomes among women enrolled in the Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Women's Longitudinal Needs Assessment (SHAWNA), an open longitudinal study of WLWH accessing care in Metro Vancouver, Canada. We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify associations between self-reported major or persistent pain with sociostructural and psychosocial correlates and with quality-of-life outcomes. Data are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Among 335 participants, 77.3% reported pain at ≥ 1 study visit, with 46.3% experiencing any undiagnosed pain and 53.1% managing pain with criminalized drugs. In multivariable analysis, age (aOR 1.04[1.03-1.06] per year increase), food and housing insecurity (aOR 1.54[1.08-2.19]), depression diagnosis (aOR 1.34[1.03-1.75]), suicidality (aOR 1.71[1.21-2.42]), and non-daily, non-injection opioid use (aOR 1.53[1.07-2.17]) were associated with higher odds of pain. Daily non-injection opioid use (aOR 0.46[0.22-0.96]) and health services access (aOR 0.63[0.44-0.91]) were associated with lower odds of pain. In separate multivariable confounder models, pain was associated with reduced odds of good self-rated health (aOR 0.64[0.48-0.84] and increased odds of health interference with social activities (aOR 2.21[1.63-2.99]) and general function (aOR 3.24[2.54-4.13]). In conclusion, most WLWH in our study reported major or persistent pain. Pain was commonly undiagnosed and associated with lower quality of life. We identified structural and psychosocial factors associated with pain in WLWH, emphasizing the need for low-barrier, trauma-informed, and harm reduction-based interventions.

Brief Report: Social Factors Associated With Trajectories of HIV-Related Stigma and Everyday Discrimination Among Women Living With HIV in Vancouver, Canada: Longitudinal Cohort Findings

INTRODUCTION

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) experience stigma rooted in social inequities. We examined associations between social factors (food insecurity, housing insecurity, violence, sexual minority identity, and substance use) and HIV-related stigma and Everyday Discrimination trajectories among WLHIV.

METHODS

This community-based open longitudinal cohort study with WLHIV living in and/or accessing HIV care in Metro Vancouver, Canada, plotted semiannual averages (2015-2019) of recent (past 6-month) HIV-related stigma and Everyday Discrimination. We examined distinct trajectories of HIV-related stigma and Everyday Discrimination using latent class growth analysis (LCGA) and baseline correlates of each trajectory using multinomial logistic regression.

FINDINGS

Among participants (HIV-related stigma sample: n = 197 participants with n = 985 observations; Everyday Discrimination sample: n = 203 participants with n = 1096 observations), LCGA identified 2 distinct HIV-related stigma and Everyday Discrimination trajectories: sustained low and consistently high. In multivariable analysis, concurrent food and housing insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-4.12) and physical/sexual violence (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.22-5.42) were associated with higher odds of the consistently high (vs. sustained low) HIV-related stigma trajectory. Sexual minority identity (AOR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.49-5.45), concurrent food and housing insecurity (AOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.38-5.08), and noninjection substance use (less than daily vs. none) (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.03-4.07) were associated with higher odds of the consistently high (vs. sustained low) Everyday Discrimination trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

Social inequities were associated with consistently high HIV-related stigma and Everyday Discrimination among WLHIV. Multilevel strategies can address violence, economic insecurity, intersecting stigma, and discrimination to optimize health and rights among WLHIV.

The impact of food insecurity on receipt of care, retention in care, and viral suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States: a causal mediation analysis

Introduction

Attaining The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 95-95-95 targets to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 will require a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms influencing care engagement among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). One such mechanism is food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to food. Food insecurity has been shown to significantly impact HIV outcomes. Yet, few studies have examined the mechanisms through which food insecurity may influence these outcomes. We aimed to examine the effects of nutritional, behavioral, and mental health mechanisms through which food insecurity may impact HIV care continuum outcomes: receipt of care, retention in care, and viral suppression.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 200 PLWHA in New York State, United States from May-August 2022. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling methods. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to examine the associations between food insecurity and care continuum outcomes (receipt of care, retention in care, viral suppression), adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, education, income, and marital status. Individual causal mediation analyses were conducted to assess whether behavioral, mental health, and nutritional mechanisms mediated the hypothesized associations.

Results

The median age of participants was 30 years (IQR: 27-37 years). The majority self-identified as Black (54.0%), male (55.5%) and straight/heterosexual (63.0%). Increasing severity of food insecurity was associated with greater odds of non-retention in care (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.70) and viral non-suppression (aOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.54). For the impact of food insecurity on non-retention in care, there was an indirect relationship (natural indirect effect; NIE) mediated through Body Mass Index (BMI) (ORNIE: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.18). For viral non-suppression, there was an indirect relationship mediated through BMI (ORNIE: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00,1.16) and an indirect relationship mediated through depression (ORNIE: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.47).

Discussion

Food insecurity was associated with greater odds of non-retention in care and viral non-suppression among PLWHA. Nutritional and mental health pathways are important mediators of these relationships. Results highlight the need for interventions to target these pathways to address food insecurity as an underlying mechanism influencing engagement in HIV care.

Precarious Housing Associated with Unsuppressed Viral load, sub-optimal Access to HIV Treatment and Unmet Health care Needs, Among Women Living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada

We investigated associations between (1) housing status (four categories measuring housing stability) and outcomes along the HIV care continuum (not currently on antiretroviral therapy [ART]; sub-optimal ART adherence [< 95% in the last 3-4 weeks]; unsuppressed viral load [> 200 copies/ml], median CD4 < 200 in the last six months), and (2) housing status and unmet primary, dental and mental health care needs in the last six months among WLWH. Housing status was defined according to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness and had four categories: unsheltered (i.e., living in ≥ 1 unsheltered location [e.g., street, abandoned buildings]), unstable (i.e., living in ≥ 1 unstable location [e.g., shelter, couch surfing]), supportive housing (i.e., only living in supportive housing), and stable housing (i.e., only living in one's own housing; reference). At baseline, in the last six months, 47.3% of participants reported unstable housing, followed by 24.4% unsheltered housing, 16.4% stable housing, and 11.9% supportive housing. Overall, 19.1% of the full sample (N = 336, 2010-2019) reported not currently on ART; among participants on ART, 28.0% reported sub-optimal ART adherence. Overall, 32.1% had recent unsuppressed viral load. Among a subsample (n = 318, 2014-2019), 15.7% reported unmet primary care needs, 26.1% unmet dental care needs, and 16.4% unmet mental health care needs. In adjusted models, being unsheltered (vs. stable housing) was associated with not currently on ART, unsuppressed viral load, and unmet primary and dental care needs. Housing and health services need to be developed with and for WLWH to address structural inequities and fulfill basic rights to housing and health.

Vitamin D intakes among women living with and without HIV in Canada

BACKGROUND

Patterns of vitamin D intake are relatively unexplored among women living with HIV, despite its importance for women's health. We compared vitamin D dietary and supplement intakes in women with HIV and population-based national controls and investigated barriers to intake.

METHODS

In this case-control study, women with HIV in the Children and Women: AntiRetrovirals and Markers of Aging (CARMA) cohort were matched with Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) controls. Participants were queried for vitamin D in dairy consumption, supplementation/dosage, and sociodemographic variables. We assessed barriers to supplementation and factors associated with dietary intake by regression modelling.

RESULTS

Ninety-five women living with HIV were age-matched to 284 controls. Women with HIV had lower income and bone mineral density and were more likely to smoke, take multiple medications and be non-white. Vitamin D dietary intake was lower in women living with HIV versus controls [0.76 vs. 1.79 μg/day; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for greater than or equal to median intake 0.29 (0.12-0.61), p = 0.002], but any supplementation was higher [62.2% vs. 44.7%; aOR = 3.44 (95% CI: 1.16-11.00), p = 0.03]. Total vitamin D intake was similar between groups. Smoking was associated with no supplementation; non-white ethnicity and low income were related to lower dietary intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Women living with HIV showed lower dietary vitamin D intake but higher supplementation rates, suggesting that care providers are promoting supplementation. Women living with HIV who smoke, have low incomes and are non-white may particularly benefit from targeted efforts to improve vitamin D intake.

Addressing Health Inequities in Digital Clinical Trials: A Review of Challenges and Solutions From the Field of HIV Research

Clinical trials are considered the gold standard for establishing efficacy of health interventions, thus determining which interventions are brought to scale in health care and public health programs. Digital clinical trials, broadly defined as trials that have partial to full integration of technology across implementation, interventions, and/or data collection, are valued for increased efficiencies as well as testing of digitally delivered interventions. Although recent reviews have described the advantages and disadvantages of and provided recommendations for improving scientific rigor in the conduct of digital clinical trials, few to none have investigated how digital clinical trials address the digital divide, whether they are equitably accessible, and if trial outcomes are potentially beneficial only to those with optimal and consistent access to technology. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among other health conditions, disproportionately affects socially and economically marginalized populations, raising questions of whether interventions found to be efficacious in digital clinical trials and subsequently brought to scale will sufficiently and consistently reach and provide benefit to these populations. We reviewed examples from HIV research from across geographic settings to describe how digital clinical trials can either reproduce or mitigate health inequities via the design and implementation of the digital clinical trials and, ultimately, the programs that result. We discuss how digital clinical trials can be intentionally designed to prevent inequities, monitor ongoing access and utilization, and assess for differential impacts among subgroups with diverse technology access and use. These findings can be generalized to many other health fields and are practical considerations for donors, investigators, reviewers, and ethics committees engaged in digital clinical trials.

The prevalence and social-structural correlates of housing status among women living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada

Background

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience numerous social and structural barriers to stable housing, with substantial implications for access to health care services. This study is the first to apply the Canadian Definition of Homelessness (CDOH), an inclusive national guideline, to investigate the prevalence and correlates of housing status among WLWH in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Our study utilized data from a longitudinal open cohort of cisgender and trans WLWH aged 14 years and older, in 2010–2019. Cross-sectional descriptive statistics of the prevalence of housing status and other social and structural variables were summarized for the baseline visits. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for repeated measures to investigate the relationship between social and structural correlates and housing status among WLWH.

Results

The study included 336 participants with 1930 observations over 9 years. Housing status derived from CDOH included four categories: unsheltered, unstable, supportive housing, and stable housing (reference). Evidence suggested high levels of precarious housing, with 24% of participants reporting being unsheltered, 47% reporting unstable housing, 11.9% reporting supportive housing, and 16.4% reporting stable housing in the last six months at baseline. According to the multivariable models, living in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood of Metro Vancouver, hospitalization, physical/sexual violence, and stimulant use were associated with being unsheltered, compared to stable housing; DTES residence, hospitalization, and physical/sexual violence were associated with unstable housing; DTES residence and stimulant use were associated with living in supportive housing.

Conclusion

Complex social-structural inequities are associated with housing instability among WLWH. In addition to meeting basic needs for living, to facilitate access to housing among WLWH, housing options that are gender-responsive and gender-inclusive and include trauma- and violence-informed principles, low-barrier requirements, and strong connections with supportive harm reduction services are critical.

Does resource insecurity drive HIV-related stigma? Associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV-related stigma in cohort of women living with HIV in Canada

INTRODUCTION

Women living with HIV across global contexts are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and housing insecurity. Food and housing insecurity are resource insecurities associated with poorer health outcomes among people living with HIV. Poverty, a deeply stigmatized phenomenon, is a contributing factor towards food and housing insecurity. HIV-related stigma-the devaluation, mistreatment and constrained access to power and opportunities experienced by people living with HIV-intersects with structural inequities. Few studies, however, have examined food and housing insecurity as drivers of HIV-related stigma. This study aimed to estimate the associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV-related stigma among women living with HIV in Canada.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study of women living with HIV (≥16 years old) in three provinces in Canada involved three waves of surveys collected at 18-month intervals between 2013 and 2018. To understand associations between food and housing security and HIV-related stigma, we conducted linear mixed effects regression models. We adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics associated with HIV-related stigma.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Among participants (n = 1422), more than one-third (n = 509; 36%) reported baseline food insecurity and approximately one-tenth (n = 152, 11%) housing insecurity. Mean HIV-related stigma scores were consistent across waves 1 (mean [M] = 57.2, standard deviation [SD] = 20.0, N = 1401) and 2 (M = 57.4, SD = 19.0, N = 1227) but lower at wave 3 (M = 52.8, SD = 18.7, N = 918). On average, across time, food insecure participants reported HIV-related stigma scores that were 8.6 points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4, 10.8) compared with food secure individuals. Similarly, participants reporting insecure housing at wave 1 tended to experience greater HIV-related stigma (6.2 points, 95% CI: 2.7, 9.6) over time compared to stably housed participants. There was an interaction between time and housing insecurity, whereby baseline housing insecurity was no longer associated with higher HIV-related stigma at the third wave.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women living with HIV in Canada, experiencing food and housing insecurity was associated with consistently higher levels of HIV-related stigma. In addition to the urgent need to tackle food and housing insecurity among people living with HIV to optimize wellbeing, getting to the heart of HIV-related stigma requires identifying and dismantling resource insecurity-related stigma drivers.

Lessons from the First Wave of COVID-19 for Improved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment: Benefits of Easier Access, Extended Take Homes, and New Delivery Modalities

Background Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are associated with important public health benefits. Program changes implemented in response to COVID-19 hold promise as ongoing strategies to improve MOUD treatment. Methods: MOUD patients on buprenorphine or methadone, providers, government regulators, and persons who use drugs not in MOUD were recruited in the Northeast region of the United States between June and October of 2020 via advertisements, fliers, and word of mouth. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Interviews were professionally transcribed and thematically coded by two independent coders. Results: We conducted interviews with 13 people currently on buprenorphine, 11 currently on methadone, 3 previously on buprenorphine, 4 previously on methadone, and 6 who used drugs but had never been on MOUD. In addition, we interviewed MOUD providers, clinic staff, and government officials at agencies that regulate MOUD. Most participants found increased take-home doses, home medication delivery, and telehealth implemented during COVID-19 to be favorable, reporting that these program changes reduced travel time to clinics, facilitated retention in care, and reduced stigma associated with clinic attendance. However, some participants reported negative consequences of COVID-19, most notably, decreased access to basic resources, such as food, clothing, and harm reduction materials that had previously been distributed at some MOUD clinics. Conclusion: Access to and retention in MOUD can be lifesaving for persons using drugs. COVID-19-impelled program changes, including increased take-home doses, home medication delivery, and telehealth generally improved participants' experiences with MOUD. Making these permanent could improve retention in care.

Impact of Canadian human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law on experiences of violence from sexual partners among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada: Implications for sexual rights

OBJECTIVES

People living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada can face criminal charges for human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure before sex, unless a condom is used and their viral load is <1500 copies/mL. We measured the reported impact of human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law on violence from sexual partners among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional survey data from wave 3 participant visits (2017-2018) within Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study; a longitudinal, community-based cohort of women living with human immunodeficiency virus in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Our primary outcome was derived from response to the statement: '[HIV non-disclosure case law has] increased my experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners'. Participants responding 'strongly agree/agree' were deemed to have experienced increased violence due to the law. Participants responding 'not applicable' (i.e. those without sexual partners) were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law.

RESULTS

We included 619/937 wave 3 participants. Median age was 46 (interquartile range: 39-53) and 86% had experienced verbal/physical/sexual violence in adulthood. Due to concerns about human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law, 37% had chosen not to have sex with a new partner, and 20% had disclosed their human immunodeficiency virus status to sexual partners before a witness. A total of 21% self-reported that human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law had increased their experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners. In adjusted analyses, women reporting non-White ethnicity (Indigenous; African/Caribbean/Black; Other), unstable housing and high human immunodeficiency virus-related stigma had significantly higher odds of reporting increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law.

CONCLUSION

Findings bolster concerns that human immunodeficiency virus criminalization is a structural driver of intimate partner violence, compromising sexual rights of women living with human immunodeficiency virus. Human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law intersects with other oppressions to regulate women's sexual lives.

Food security in African Canadian communities: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to chart the evidence relating to food security among African Canadian communities to inform future research and offer insight related to food security in African Canadian communities.

INTRODUCTION

Achieving food security is of global importance to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a social determinant of health, food security, which refers to the unrestricted physical, economic, and timely access to safe and nutritious foods, impacts more than 4 million Canadians. Yet, little is known about food security and the differential impacts of food insecurity among African Canadians. This scoping review sought to describe the current state of food security among African Canadians.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Sources were considered for inclusion if they: i) focused on Canada, ii) involved African Canadians, and iii) examined food security.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. Databases and relevant websites containing peer-reviewed, unpublished, and gray literature were searched. Ancestry searching and forward citation tracing were completed. No restrictions were placed on date of publication. Language restrictions were limited to English and French. In instances where articles were unavailable, authors of potential sources were contacted at the full-text review phase to request access to their article. Data were extracted independently by two team members, and are presented narratively and in tabular format.

RESULTS

The search of databases yielded a total of 1183 records. Ancestry tracing yielded 287 records. After removing duplicates, 1075 titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility and 80 advanced to full-text screening. Seventy-five full-text articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving five articles that underwent data extraction. All five included studies involved African Canadian participants in Canada. All studies focused on adults; one study included women and men participants, while four focused exclusively on women. One study involving women participants included cisgender and transgender women as well as those identifying as queer. Study designs reflected qualitative (n = 2), quantitative (n = 1), and mixed methods (n = 2) designs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review begins to fill a gap in understanding the current evidence available on food security as it impacts African Canadians. The findings of this review represent existing research, describing the type of evidence available and methodologies used, before suggesting implications for research and practice. The inclusion of only five studies reveals the limited evidence regarding the current state of food security among African Canadians. Further, included studies were exclusively conducted in urban settings and predominantly in one province. There is a need for further research in rural communities, in other provinces and territories, as well as with younger and older participants. The urgent need to collect race-disaggregated data in Canada is evident.

Psychometric Properties of the Berger HIV Stigma Scale: A Systematic Review

Addressing HIV-related stigma requires the use of psychometrically sound measures. However, despite the Berger HIV stigma scale (HSS) being among the most widely used measures for assessing HIV-related stigma, no study has systematically summarised its psychometric properties. This review investigated the psychometric properties of the HSS. A systematic review of articles published between 2001 and August 2021 was undertaken (CRD42020220305) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additionally, we searched the grey literature and screened the reference lists of the included studies. Of the total 1241 studies that were screened, 166 were included in the review, of which 24 were development and/or validation studies. The rest were observational or experimental studies. All the studies except two reported some aspect of the scale's reliability. The reported internal consistency ranged from acceptable to excellent (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.70) in 93.2% of the studies. Only eight studies reported test-retest reliability, and the reported reliability was adequate, except for one study. Only 36 studies assessed and established the HSS's validity. The HSS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of HIV-related stigma. However, the validity evidence came from only 36 studies, most of which were conducted in North America and Europe. Consequently, more validation work is necessary for more precise insights.

Exploring linkages between climate change and sexual health: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The effects of climate change and associated extreme weather events (EWEs) present substantial threats to well-being. EWEs hold the potential to harm sexual health through pathways including elevated exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), disrupted healthcare access, and increased sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The WHO defines four components of sexual health: comprehensive sexuality education; HIV and STI prevention and care; SGBV prevention and care; and psychosexual counselling. Yet, knowledge gaps remain regarding climate change and its associations with these sexual health domains. This scoping review will therefore explore the linkages between climate change and sexual health.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL) will be searched using text words and subject headings (eg, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Emtree) related to sexual health and climate change from the inception of each database to May 2021. Grey literature and unpublished reports will be searched using a comprehensive search strategy, including from the WHO, World Bank eLibrary, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The scoping review will consider studies that explore: (a) climate change and EWEs including droughts, heat waves, wildfires, dust storms, hurricanes, flooding rains, coastal flooding and storm surges; alongside (b) sexual health, including: comprehensive sexual health education, sexual health counselling, and HIV/STI acquisition, prevention and/or care, and/or SGBV, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and rape. Searches will not be limited by language, publication year or geographical location. We will consider quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods and review articles for inclusion. We will conduct thematic analysis of findings. Data will be presented in narrative and tabular forms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

There are no formal ethics requirements as we are not collecting primary data. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at international conferences.

Food insecurity among people who inject drugs in Athens, Greece: a study in the context of ARISTOTLE programme

Objective:

To measure the prevalence of food insecurity and explore related characteristics and behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of a community-based programme for HIV infection among PWID (ARISTOTLE programme). Food insecurity was measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Computer-assisted interviews and blood samples were also collected.

Setting:

A fixed location in Athens Metropolitan Area, Greece, during 2012–2013.

Participants:

In total, 2834 unique participants with history of injecting drug use in the past 12 months were recruited over four respondent-driven sampling rounds (approximately 1400/round).

Results:

More than 50 % of PWID were severely or moderately food insecure across all rounds. PWID were more likely to be severely food insecure if they were older than 40 years [adjusted OR (aOR): 1·71, 95 % CI: 1·33–2·19], were women (aOR: 1·49, 95 % CI: 1·17–1·89), from Middle East countries (aOR v. from Greece: 1·80, 95 % CI: 1·04–3·11), had a lower educational level (primary or secondary school v. higher education; aOR: 1·54, 95 % CI: 1·29–1·84), had no current health insurance (aOR: 1·45, 95 % CI: 1·21–1·73), were homeless (aOR: 17·1, 95 % CI: 12·3–23·8) or were living with another drug user (aOR: 1·55, 95 % CI: 1·26–1·91) as compared with those living alone or with family/friends. HIV-infected PWID were more likely to be severely food insecure compared with uninfected (59·0 % v. 51·0 %, respectively, P = 0·002); however, this difference was attributed to the confounding effect of homelessness.

Conclusions:

Moderate/severe food insecurity was a significant problem, reaching > 50 % in this sample of PWID and closely related to socio-demographic characteristics and especially homelessness.

Examining Multilevel Factors Associated with the Process of Resilience among Women Living with HIV in a Large Canadian Cohort Study: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Objectives:

We examined how multiple, nested, and interacting systems impact the protective process of resilience for women living with HIV (WLWH).

Methods:

Using data from a Cohort Study, we conducted univariate analyses, multivariable logistic regression, and a 2-step structural equation modeling for the outcome, high resilience (N = 1422).

Results:

Participants reported high overall resilience scores with a mean of 62.2 (standard deviation = 8.1) and median of 64 (interquartile range = 59-69). The odds of having high resilience were greater for those residing in Quebec compared to Ontario (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.1 [1.6, 2.9]) and British Columbia (aOR = 1.8 [1.3, 2.5]). Transgender women had increased odds of high resilience than cisgender women (aOR = 1.9 [1.0, 3.6]). There were higher odds of resilience for those without mental health diagnoses (aOR = 2.4 [1.9, 3.0]), non-binge drinkers (aOR=1.5 [1.1, 2.1]), and not currently versus previously injecting drugs (aOR = 3.6 [2.1, 5.9]). Structural equation modeling confirmed that factors influencing resilience lie at multiple levels: micro, meso, exo, and macro systems of influence.

Conclusion:

There is a need to consider resilience as the interaction between the person and their environments, informing the development of multilevel interventions to support resilience among WLWH.

Quality of life of older women living with HIV: comparative assessment of physical and mental health-related markers using a large Canadian Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study

Objective: This study assessed and compared physical and mental health components of quality of life (QoL) for older and younger women living with HIV (WLWH). Method: Using survey data from the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study, demographic, well-being, and physical and mental health-related QoL (HR-QoL) variables were compared between older (≥50 years) and younger (<50 years) WLWH. As the only significantly different QoL component, bivariate analyses and linear regression were used to assess factors associated with physical HR-QoL of older women. Results: The sample frame comprised 1,422 women (28.0% older women). Younger WLWH's mean age was 37.8 years (SD = 7.4) compared to older WLWH (55.8 years, SD = 5.3). Compared to younger WLWH, older WLWH had poorer physical HR-QoL (40.0 vs. 50.7; p < 0.001) but similar mental HR-QoL (42.7 vs. 42.1; p > 0.001). Older WLWH had lower social support (p < 0.001) with no significant differences in depressive symptoms or resilience. Resilience was associated with improved physical HR-QOL. Food insecurity, poorer mental HR-QoL and depressive symptoms were associated with poorer physical health. Discussion: Compared to younger WLWH, older WLWH had poorer physical HR-QoL, which was associated with resilience, food insecurity and mental health factors, highlighting the complex interactions of health-related social-ecological factors impacting aging WLWH.

A Latent Class Analysis of the Social Determinants of Health Impacting Heavy Alcohol Consumption Among Women Living with HIV in Canada: The Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study

We used longitudinal data from the 2013-2017 Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (N = 1422) to assess the clustered impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on hazardous drinking. Two measures of alcohol use were defined: (i) weekly alcohol use, with > 7 drinks/week as heavy drinking, and (ii) monthly binge drinking (≥ 6 drinks at one sitting), with ≥ 1/month as frequent binging. Twelve SDoH indicators were classified using latent class analysis: no/least adversities, discrimination/stigma, economic hardship, and most SDoH adversities. Inverse-probability weighted multinomial logistic regression was used to report relative-risk ratio (RRR). Women living with HIV (WLWH) in no/least adversity class had a substantially lower likelihood of both heavy weekly alcohol use and frequent binging than those in discrimination/stigma, economic hardship, and most SDoH adversities classes, with RRR estimates ranging from 0.02 to 0.18. Findings indicate the need to address SDoH to reduce hazardous drinking among WLWH.

Severe Food Insecurity, Gender-Based Violence, Homelessness, and HIV Risk among Street-based Female Sex Workers in Baltimore, Maryland

Despite established links between food insecurity and HIV outcomes, no studies have examined the role of food insecurity among female sex workers (FSW) in the United States (US). The aim of this exploratory study was to identify correlates (structural vulnerability and health factors) of severe food insecurity among street-based FSW in Baltimore, Maryland using multivariable logistic regression. In adjusted models, FSW with severe food insecurity were at greater odds of recent homelessness, physical intimate partner violence, client condom refusal, and HIV infection. Multi-sectoral approaches must take into consideration the co-occurrence of structural and health vulnerabilities to food insecurity among FSW in the US, including those that address violence, housing, and HIV.

HIV Testing and ART Adherence Among Unstably Housed Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) have the highest HIV incidence rate among all MSM in the United States (US), and are also disproportionately affected by homelessness and housing instability. However, little is known about the effects of homelessness on the HIV testing and care continuum for BMSM. Between 2014 and 2017, the Promoting Our Worth, Equality, and Resilience (POWER) study collected data and offered HIV testing to 4184 BMSM at Black Pride events in six US cities. Bivariate analyses were used to assess differences in sociodemographics and healthcare access between BMSM who self-reported homelessness and those who did not. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess differences in HIV testing by homelessness status. Finally, bivariate and multivariable models were used to assess differences in HIV care continuum and treatment adherence outcomes by homelessness status. 615 (12.1%) BMSM in our sample experienced homelessness in the last 12 months. BMSM who self-reported homelessness had higher odds of receiving an HIV test in the past 6 months compared to their stably housed counterparts. BMSM who self-reported homelessness had higher odds of reporting difficulty taking ART and of missing a dose in the past week compared to stably housed BMSM. Findings suggest that HIV testing outreach and treatment-related services targeting unstably housed BMSM may be effective. Future community-based research is needed to investigate how homelessness and housing instability affect ART adherence, and how this population may experience success in HIV testing and adherence despite economic and social marginalization.

Patterns of social determinants of health associated with drug use among women living with HIV in Canada: a latent class analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Identifying typologies of social determinants of health (SDoH) vulnerability influencing drug use practices among women living with HIV (WLWH) can help to address associated harms. This research aimed to explore the association of SDoH clusters with drug use among WLWH.

DESIGN

Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify the distinct clusters of SDoH. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was employed to account for confounding and potential selection bias. Associations were analyzed using generalized linear model with log link and Poisson distribution, and then weighted risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 1422 WLWH recruited at time-point 1 of the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS, 2013-15), with 1252 participants at 18 months follow-up (time-point 2).

MEASUREMENTS

Drug use was defined as use of illicit/non-prescribed opioids/stimulants in the past 6 months. SDoH indicators included: race discrimination, gender discrimination, HIV stigma, social support, access to care, food security, income level, employment status, education, housing status and histories of recent sex work and incarceration.

FINDINGS

LCA identified four SDoH classes: no/least SDoH adversities (6.6%), discrimination/stigma (17.7%), economic hardship (30.8%) and most SDoH adversities (45.0%). Drug use was reported by 17.5% and 17.2% at time-points 1 and 2, respectively. WLWH with no/least SDoH adversities were less likely to report drug use than those in economic hardship class (weighted RR = 0.13; 95% CIs = 0.03, 0.63), discrimination/stigma class (weighted RR = 0.15; 95% CIs = 0.03, 0.78), and most SDoH adversities class (weighted RR = 0.13; 95% CIs = 0.03, 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Social determinants of health vulnerabilities are associated with greater likelihood of drug use, underscoring the significance of addressing interlinked social determinants and drug use through the course of HIV care and treatment.

A longitudinal study of associations between HIV-related stigma, recent violence and depression among women living with HIV in a Canadian cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) experience stigma and elevated exposure to violence in comparison with HIV-negative women. We examined the mediating role of experiencing recent violence in the relationship between stigma and depression among WLHIV in Canada.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study with WLHIV in three Canadian provinces. Recent violence was assessed through self-reported experiences of control, physical, sexual or verbal abuse in the past three months. At Time 1 (2013-2015) three forms of stigma were assessed (HIV-related, racial, gender) and at Time 2 (2015-2017) only HIV-related stigma was assessed. We conducted structural equation modelling (SEM) using the maximum likelihood estimation method with Time 1 data to identify direct and indirect effects of gender discrimination, racial discrimination and HIV-related stigma on depression via recent violence. We then conducted mixed effects regression and SEM using Time 1 and Time 2 data to examine associations between HIV-related stigma, recent violence and depression.

RESULTS

At Time 1 (n = 1296), the direct path from HIV-related stigma (direct effect: β = 0.200, p < 0.001; indirect effect: β = 0.014, p < 0.05) to depression was significant; recent violence accounted for 6.5% of the total effect. Gender discrimination had a significant direct and indirect effect on depression (direct effect: β = 0.167, p < 0.001; indirect effect: β = 0.050, p < 0.001); recent violence explained 23.15% of the total effect. Including Time 1 and Time 2 data (n = 1161), mixed-effects regression results indicate a positive relationship over time between HIV-related stigma and depression (Acoef: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.06, p < 0.001), and recent violence and depression (Acoef: 1.95, 95% CI: 0.29, 4.42, p < 0.05), controlling for socio-demographics. There was a significant interaction between HIV-related stigma and recent violence with depression (Acoef: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07, p < 0.05). SEM analyses reveal that HIV-related stigma had a significant direct and indirect effect on depression over time (direct effect: β = 0.178, p < 0.001; indirect effect: β = 0.040, p < 0.001); recent violence experiences accounted for 51% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that HIV-related stigma is associated with increased experiences of recent violence, and both stigma and violence are associated with increased depression among WLHIV in Canada. There is an urgent need for trauma-informed stigma interventions to address stigma, discrimination and violence.

Pathways from Resilient Coping to Safer Sex Communication Among African, Caribbean, and Black Women in Toronto, Canada: Results from a Cross-sectional Survey

PURPOSE

African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) women in Canada are disproportionately impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Although there is reported suboptimal consistent condom use with ACB women, limited research has explored safer sex communication among this population. Coping frameworks highlight the role that resilient coping and condom use self-efficacy may play in facilitating safer sex communication. Structural perspectives stress the need to explore associations between HIV vulnerabilities and food insecurity. We examined pathways from resilient coping to safer sex communication through the mediator of condom use self-efficacy among ACB women in Toronto.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a purposive sample of ACB women aged 16 and older across Toronto, Canada. We conducted path analysis to test the direct effects of resilient coping on safer sex communication, and indirect pathways through the mediator (condom use self-efficacy) while controlling for food insecurity.

RESULTS

Participant (n = 80; mean age 27, SD 7.93) ethnicities included African (58.8%, n = 47), Caribbean (30%, n = 24), and others (11.3%, n = 9). Participants with food security reported significantly higher safer sex communication. We found no direct effect of resilient coping on safer sex communication. Findings support the hypothesized mediation process; resilient coping was associated with condom use self-efficacy, which in turn was associated with safer sex communication.

CONCLUSION

Findings that condom use self-efficacy mediated the association between resilient coping and safer sex communication align with theoretical assertions of the protective role of adaptive coping strategies. Findings can inform tailored HIV and STI preventive interventions with ACB women.