How stigma and social support affect cognitive function in older women with HIV
Official title: Influences of Stigma and Social Support on Cognitive Function Among Older Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11009236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stigma related to HIV and gender affects the thinking skills of older women living with HIV/AIDS, and it also wants to see if having good social support can help protect their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG086073-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older women aged 50 and above who are living with HIV/AIDS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or those under the age of 50 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of HIV-related and gender-based stigma on cognitive function among older women living with HIV/AIDS. It aims to understand how these stigmas impact mental health and cognitive abilities, while also exploring the role of social support as a potential protective factor. The study will analyze data from the Women's Interagency Study, which has been tracking the health of women living with HIV since 1993, using validated assessments to measure cognitive function and stigma. By focusing on this often-overlooked population, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve health outcomes for older women with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support strategies that enhance cognitive function and overall quality of life for older women living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that stigma can negatively impact health outcomes, but this specific focus on older women with HIV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vu, Thi — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Vu, Thi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating cervical cancer screening methods for women with HIV in Botswana
This study is looking at the best ways to screen for cervical cancer in women living with HIV in Botswana, and it invites 3,000 women to help find out which testing methods work best for keeping them healthy.
-
The relationship between oral bacteria and tooth decay in children with HIV
This study looks at how the germs in the mouths of children with HIV might affect their risk of getting cavities, and it aims to find ways to help keep their teeth healthy.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
A large study using genetic data from Mexican teachers to discover genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in older adults.
-
Genetics and Cognitive Function in Mexican Teachers Cohort for Alzheimer’s Dementia
This grant funds a large study to find genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in Mexican teachers, with the goal of improving understanding of Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
-
How childhood nutrition affects health, thinking, and life outcomes by middle age
This project compares people who got extra nutrition as children with those who did not to understand differences in health, thinking, and life outcomes in middle age.
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.