PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The research objective of this proposal is to develop a technology-based HIV prevention intervention for Black
women in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The intervention will be based on the previously developed
culturally-adapted Safer Sex Skills Building intervention (SSSB), aligned with modern prevention efforts, and
informed by intersectionality. Black women with SUD continue to be gravely impacted by the HIV epidemic. In
2020, Black women made up 13% of the general female population yet accounted for over 50% of new HIV
infections. Given the gender norms and social expectations (present within both Black and substance using
communities) related to sexual behavior, Black women with SUD are uniquely at risk. These women are also
impacted by intersecting systems of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, substance use stigma) that influence
HIV risk. These unique experiences underscore the need for culturally specific interventions. Furthermore, from
2015-2019, only 16.5% of Black women who needed SUD treatment received it. This disparity could result in a
limited number of Black women within a single SUD treatment setting at the same time, which could be a
barrier to in-person interventions. Technology-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness for SUD
treatment and HIV prevention/treatment among Black women, suggesting that technology could be leveraged
to address this gap. The proposal has the following aims: 1) Examine psychological and social determinants of
sexual risk behaviors among Black women in SUD treatment through an intersectional lens, 2) Deepen
understanding of sexual risk behavior through an intersectionality framework and identify culturally-informed
approaches for reducing sexual risk behavior, and 3) Design a technology-based HIV prevention intervention
for Black women in SUD treatment. Aligned with these research aims, my career goal is to be an independent
researcher focused on the design, implementation, and testing of culturally specific interventions to reduce HIV
prevalence and other health disparities for racial/ethnic minorities with SUD. The training goals of this K23
Mentored Patient Oriented Career Development Award that will assist me in meeting my long-term goal are: 1)
Develop advanced knowledge of the mechanisms within intersectionality and social determinants of health that
influence sexual risk behavior for racial/ethnic minorities, 2) Increase knowledge in qualitative and mixed
method research methodologies, 3) Obtain training in the development of technology-based interventions that
target health behavior change among racial/ethnic minorities SUD, 4) gain knowledge in clinical trial design for
culturally specific interventions, and 5) Participate in professional development activities, improve grant writing
skills, and increase scholarly writing and dissemination. The research in this proposal will complement the
proposed training activities that I plan to complete at the University of California, San Francisco and will
provide me with hands-on training with my proposed mentorship team.