Women, Intersectionality, Substance Use and HIV ( WISH)

The purpose of this Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide the candidate with the training and expertise necessary to transition into an independent research career focused on developing and adapting intervention strategies to improve HIV treatment outcomes. This K01 integrates a robust career development plan with a research strategy designed to address gaps in HIV care engagement among adults living with HIV and recent substance use. The overall objective of the research component is to examine how multiple co-occurring social and behavioral factors influence HIV treatment outcomes and explore additional factors that may support engagement in HIV care among adults living with HIV and recent substance use in the United States. The findings will inform the selection and systematic adaptation of an established HIV intervention to support care engagement. This objective will be achieved through the following three specific aims: (1) To assess the association between adverse social experiences and differences in HIV treatment outcomes across substance use and racial categories among adults living with HIV in the United States, (2) To systematically adapt an HIV intervention to address social and behavioral factors that affect HIV care engagement among adults with HIV and recent substance use in San Francisco, CA, (3) To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the adapted intervention to support HIV care engagement among adults with HIV and recent substance use in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Jennifer Jain is well-positioned to conduct this research based on her strong foundation in epidemiological methods and HIV and substance use research. During the 5-year award period, Dr. Jain will pursue the following career development objectives: (1) Develop expertise in the application of advanced statistical methods and mixed methods for evaluating HIV care engagement among adults with HIV and recent substance use in the United States, (2) Gain experience in intervention adaptation and testing, including modifying established HIV interventions for use among adults with HIV and substance use histories, (3) Acquire training in intervention science, including the design and implementation of behavioral interventions to improve HIV care engagement, and (4) Build professional skills necessary for a successful independent research career, including grantsmanship, scientific manuscript preparation, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. These objectives will be accomplished through a diverse array of training activities, including mentor-directed learning, formal coursework, seminars, and hands-on research experience. The proposed research aligns with current NIH priorities to: (1) improve health outcomes among people living with HIV and substance use; and (2) advance scientific discoveries in HIV and substance use research. This project will directly support Dr. Jain’s long-term goal of establishing an independent research program focused on improving HIV care engagement through the adaptation and testing of behavioral interventions for adults living with HIV and recent substance use.