ResearchProjects

Women who inject drugs (WWID) in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of HIV due to vulnerabilities related to drug use and sex. Uptake among WWID remains critically low, in part due to mistrust and negative perceptions about the healthcare system among this population. This project introduces PrEP-RISE, an intervention designed to improve PrEP uptake and persistence among WWID by addressing hesitations about medication and negative attitudes toward this population.

Leveraging the participatory method of Photovoice (PV), the intervention integrates targeted PrEP education during PV sessions to empower WWID, build trust, and provide warm handoffs to same-day PrEP care at non-traditional healthcare settings. Negative perceptions about WWID will be addressed through PV exhibitions showcasing participants’ experiences and suggestions for change, fostering dialogue and empathy among key stakeholders, such as healthcare providers and law enforcement.

The study will assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in increasing PrEP uptake and persistence among WWID and measure any change in attitudes about this population among community members.