Understanding social factors affecting Indigenous patients with HIV
Official title: Collaboratively Identifying Population-Specific Social Determinants of Health for Indigenous Patients Living with HIV: From Patient Perspectives to the Electronic Health Record
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11072980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social factors affect the health of Indigenous people living with HIV, especially American Indian and Alaska Native communities, by talking to patients and using technology to better understand their needs and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $87,804 |
| NIH project number | 5K99LM014579-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian and Alaska Native individuals living with HIV who are willing to share their experiences and perspectives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Indigenous or are not living with HIV may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique social determinants of health (SDH) that impact Indigenous patients living with HIV, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By conducting qualitative interviews with these patients, the study aims to collaboratively define culturally relevant SDH that are often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings. The research will also utilize advanced data analysis techniques, such as natural language processing, to extract relevant information from electronic health records, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for these communities. The goal is to create a more accurate understanding of how social factors influence HIV care and retention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare strategies and outcomes for Indigenous patients living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into social determinants of health, this approach focusing specifically on Indigenous populations and utilizing advanced data techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bear Don't Walk, Oliver John — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Bear Don't Walk, Oliver John
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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.