Exploring how COVID-19 changes in legal practices affect HIV risk in women who use drugs
Impact of COVID-19 Criminal-Legal Practices on HIV Risk among Women Who Use Drugs: A Multi-Methods Qualitative Exploration
This study is looking at how changes in the legal system during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the HIV risk behaviors of women who use drugs and have been in jail, by talking to women in New Haven, Connecticut, about their experiences before and during the pandemic to help improve health support for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Connecticut State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10481416 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of changes in criminal-legal practices during the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV risk behaviors of women who use drugs and are involved in the justice system. The study will conduct qualitative interviews with formerly incarcerated women in New Haven, Connecticut, to gather insights about their experiences and HIV risk factors before and during the pandemic. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to identify protective factors and risk behaviors that can inform better health interventions for this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women over 21 years old who have been involved in the criminal justice system and use drugs.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the criminal justice system or do not use drugs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing HIV risk among justice-involved women who use drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown that understanding the intersection of legal practices and health risks can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes for marginalized populations.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Southern Connecticut State University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smoyer, Amy Brooks — Southern Connecticut State University
- Study coordinator: Smoyer, Amy Brooks
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.