Reducing stigma to improve HIV care for women who use drugs
Official title: Adaptation and evaluation of an intersectional stigma reduction intervention to increase HIV care engagement among women who use drugs
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11002878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help women in Ukraine who are living with HIV and also use drugs by offering supportive group discussions and workshops to reduce stigma and improve their access to healthcare, so they can feel more comfortable and stay engaged in their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,273 |
| NIH project number | 1R01TW012908-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women living with HIV who also use drugs and are experiencing stigma related to both conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as women or who do not have HIV or drug use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to adapt and test an intervention designed to reduce stigma related to HIV and drug use among women living with HIV who also use drugs in Ukraine. By addressing the intersectional stigma that these women face, the project seeks to improve their engagement and retention in HIV care. The intervention will involve small group discussions and educational workshops to empower participants and enhance their access to healthcare services. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in improving health outcomes and medication adherence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and better access to HIV care for women who use drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that stigma reduction interventions can improve health outcomes, but this specific approach targeting intersectional stigma is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owczarzak, Jill — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Owczarzak, Jill
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.