title: MOMS: formative evaluation and subsequent intervention for mothers living with HIV.
abstract: The Making Our Mothers Stronger (MOMS) Project is a randomized controlled behavioral trial, comparing a stress-reduction and social support intervention (Healthy MOMS) to a parenting skills intervention (Parenting Skills for MOMS) for mothers living with HIV. Outcomes include maternal mental and physical health, parenting behaviors, and children's behavior. To ensure that these interventions were tailored to the needs of HIV+ mothers, extensive formative work was conducted with members of the intended audience and relevant service providers. Findings from focus groups and semi-structured interviews highlighted the need for Healthy MOMS to: (1) include appropriate approaches to group discussion and problem solving; (2) address the stressors of being both a parent and a woman living with HIV; and (3) enhance social support. Six weekly group sessions focused on topics including coping with stress and anxiety; enhancing nutrition, exercise, and sexual health; improving medical adherence; improving communication with health care providers; and communicating health needs to family, friends, and co-workers. Initial anecdotal responses from participants suggest that the Healthy MOMS intervention addresses several salient issues for the growing population of HIV+ mothers who can benefit from long-term support in adapting to this chronic disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA. sdavies@uab.edu
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Trudi V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.forename: Angela G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Michelle Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Katharine E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult