Striving Towards Empowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD): A Tailored Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Approach for Black Women Living With HIV. Issue 3 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dale, Sannisha K.; Safren, Steven A.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 25:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 361
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: black women -- HIV -- trauma -- medication adherence -- cognitive behavioral therapy; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: In the U.S. Black women with HIV face numerous psychosocial challenges, particularly trauma, racism, HIV-related discrimination, and gender role expectations, that are associated with negative HIV health outcomes and low medical treatment adherence. Yet many of these factors are unaddressed in traditional cognitive behavioral approaches. This study presents a case series of a tailored cognitive behavioral treatment approach for Black women living with HIV. Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD) is a 10-session treatment aimed at improving medication adherence for Black women with HIV by combining established cognitive behavioral strategies for trauma symptom reduction, strategies for coping with race- and HIV-related discrimination, gender empowerment, problem-solving techniques for medication adherence, and resilient coping. A case series study of five Black women with HIV was conducted to evaluate the preliminary acceptability and feasibility of the treatment and illustrate the approach. Findings support the potential promise of this treatment in helping to improve HIV medication adherence and decrease trauma symptoms. Areas for refinement in the treatment as well as structural barriers (e.g., housing) in the lives of the women that impacted their ability to fully benefit from the treatment are also noted. Highlights: A case series of a tailored CBT approach for Black women living with HIV 10-session treatment to improve medication adherence and decrease trauma symptoms To enhance coping with race- and HIV- related discrimination and gender roles Presents the cases of five Black women with HIV who completed the treatment Treatment shows promise for improving adherence and decreasing trauma symptoms