title: "In our stories": The perspectives of women living with HIV on an evidence-based group intervention.
abstract: A qualitative study among women living with HIV assessed the aspects of an evidence-based intervention targeting HIV transmission risk reduction (Women Involved in Life Learning from Other Women [WiLLOW]) that women valued and how their lives were impacted. Thirty-one women (80.6% African American) completed interviews. Women valued the personal stories and positive group dynamics (i.e. safety, trust, openness, getting feedback, bonding, and socializing). As a result of WiLLOW, women embraced a strong woman image, joined groups, changed behaviors, accepted their HIV status, became optimistic, and spoke up/advocated in their relationships and communities. Interventions for HIV-positive women may benefit from incorporating the sharing of stories in their curricula and factors that build positive group dynamics.
authors.affiliation: 1 Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.|2 Harvard Medical School, USA.|3 Boston University, USA.
authors.forename: Sannisha K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.affiliation: 4 University of Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grimes
authors.affiliation: 5 William James College, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: 6 Boston Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ursillo
authors.affiliation: 7 Boston University School of Public Health, USA.|8 Boston University School of Medicine, USA.|9 Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans (ENRM VA) Hospital, USA.
authors.forename: Mari-Lynn
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Drainoni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
keywords: HIV; grounded theory; group intervention; qualitative evaluation; women