Research

Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS: Longitudinal Women’s Needs Assessment (SHAWNA)

Building on ongoing partnerships and community-based research with women living with HIV since 2005 as well as extensive consultation with community, clinical and policy experts, SHAWNA was officially launched in 2015. The project actively follows over 350 cis and trans women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver through semi-annual visits. SHAWNA includes both a community-based longitudinal cohort (semi-annual community-administered interview questionnaire and a clinical sexual health research visit) and a qualitative arts-based research component.

SHAWNA focuses on cis and trans youth and women (14+) who live and/or access services in Metro Vancouver, recruiting through women’s HIV providers, other key HIV providers (Oak Tree), self-referral, our peer research associate team, and community outreach. We are committed to MIPA/GIPA principles of meaningful inclusion and great involvement of women living with HIV. Women with lived experience have played a key role since the project’s inception, serving as community interviewers, Peer Research Associates and co-authors.  

Research Objectives: To understand the interpersonal, social and structural factors shaping women’s HIV outcomes and experiences navigating care through their lifetime. 

Principal Investigators: Dr. Kathleen Deering, Dr. Andrea Krüsi (qualitative/arts-based)

Oak Tree Site PI: Dr. Mary Kestler

Key Team Members: Elissa Aikema, Zoe Hassall, Dana Krementz, Emma Kuntz, Lois Luo, Lauren McCraw, Desire Tibashoboka, Brittney Udall (Project Coordinator), Akanée Yamaki

Supporting Team Members: Melissa Braschel, Shannon Bundock, Sylvia Machat, Peter Vann

Partners/Advisory: Oak Tree Clinic/BC Women’s Hospital, YouthCO, Afro-Canadian Positive Network of BC, Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, Positive Living, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Positive Haven, McLaren House

Funders: CIHR, MAC AIDS Foundation

Resources

SHAWNA Participant Demographics

A SHAWNA infographic showing the demographics of SHAWNA participants, who are women (cisgender and transgender) living with HIV who reside in or travel to Metro Vancouver to access HIV care services. Demographics shown are age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, ethnicity, experience with stigma, supports needed to take anti-retroviral medications, and place of residence.

February 23, 2019   |   Download (pdf)

Incarceration & Women Living with HIV

A SHAWNA infographic showing how criminalization, incarceration, and social and structural vulnerabilities are closely linked; the need to redress the overcriminalization of women living with HIV; and the need for interventions and release plans to be women-centred, include housing and substance use supports, and address the cyclical nature of violence and incarceration.

February 22, 2019   |   Download (pdf)

Trauma-Informed Care for Women Living with HIV

A SHAWNA infographic showing how and why trauma-informed care is essential for HIV health. Concludes with implications: Trauma-informed care is needed to support antiretroviral adherence; there is a requirement for responses to structural vulnerabilities that expose women to trauma such as incarceration and unstable housing; and chronic underfunding of HIV responses for women should be addressed.

February 22, 2019   |   Download (pdf)

HIV Stigma, Violence, and Non-Consensual Disclosure: Infringements on Human Rights

A SHAWNA infographic showing percentages of SHAWNA participants who have experienced violence due to their HIV+ status and who have had their HIV+ status disclosed without their consent. Discusses non-consensual disclosure, HIV-related violence, physical or sexual violence, and difficulties taking antiretroviral medications. Includes implications that initiatives are needed to reduce HIV-related stigma and gender-based violence; rights to privacy and confidentiality must be ensured; and trauma-informed care is required for women living with HIV.

February 22, 2019   |   Download (pdf)

Through Our Own Eyes: Disclosure, Stigma, and Pain

Photovoice Project and Policy Report

Through Our Own Eyes is a collection of photographs and reflections in which cis and trans women living with HIV express the lived realities of HIV disclosure, stigma, and criminalization. This publication was created and exhibited in September 2018 as part of a participatory, community-based photo-voice project by CGSHE's SHAWNA Team in collaboration with Afro-Canadian Positive Network of BC, Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, Oak Tree Clinic at BC Women's Hospital, and YouthCO.

September 1, 2018   |   Download (pdf)