“What I Wish I Would’ve Known before My HIV Diagnosis”: Qualitative Insights from Women Living with HIV to Inform HIV Prevention Strategies

• DOI: 10.1089/apc.2025.0006
• Publication Date: 2025-03-14T02:04:41Z
• Authors: Jessica L. Corcoran; Victoria McDonald; Alexandria L. Hahn; Randi Singer; Mirjam-Colette Kempf; Rebecca Schnall; Amy K. Johnson
• Keywords: Wish

In 2022, cisgender women accounted for one in five HIV diagnoses the United States. Existing structural, social, and behavioral factors impede women's engagement with prevention strategies including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access, condom usage, uptake of testing. This study explores perspectives living (WLWH) about that may contribute to acquisition their advice who benefit from strategies. We conducted semistructured interviews 40 WLWH were diagnosed on or after January 1, 2000. Interviews via Zoom lasted 45-60 min. professionally transcribed, coded, analyzed identify themes. Guided by AIDS Risk Reduction Model, this uses qualitative findings describe steps recognizing reducing vulnerabilities. The analysis revealed three themes: (1) risk oneself partner, (2) commiting decreasing risk, (3) enacting reduction After personal partner characteristics associated increased committing through self-love, relationship assertiveness, boundary setting, will be better prepared enact four most commonly discussed included testing, PrEP, avoiding drug use. highlights importance understanding experiences inform effective Insights these emphasized need awareness, empowerment, accessible resources support recognition among women.