Remote HIV Research Study
Researchers at Syracuse University are conducting a study on alcohol use and traumatic stress among women living with HIV.
Fast Facts
Adults who identify as a woman, and have a diagnosis of HIV
Have experienced trauma or stressful life events
Compensation Provided
Conducted via Phone or Computer
Study Background
This study aims to better understand and improve support for women living with HIV who experience trauma and unhealthy alcohol use.
Alcohol use, trauma, and HIV are closely connected and can influence one another in ways that affect both physical and mental health. Women living with HIV may experience higher levels of stress or trauma, which can contribute to unhealthy alcohol use and impact overall well-being. Current approaches do not always fully address how these factors interact, highlighting the need for more tailored and effective interventions.
This study is evaluating a remote program that combines a brief alcohol intervention with an expressive writing activity designed to help process trauma. Researchers will assess changes in alcohol use and stress over time to better understand whether this approach can improve health outcomes and support long-term HIV care.
Study Background
This study aims to better understand and improve support for women living with HIV who experience trauma and unhealthy alcohol use.
Alcohol use, trauma, and HIV are closely connected and can influence one another in ways that affect both physical and mental health. Women living with HIV may experience higher levels of stress or trauma, which can contribute to unhealthy alcohol use and impact overall well-being. Current approaches do not always fully address how these factors interact, highlighting the need for more tailored and effective interventions.
This study is evaluating a remote program that combines a brief alcohol intervention with an expressive writing activity designed to help process trauma. Researchers will assess changes in alcohol use and stress over time to better understand whether this approach can improve health outcomes and support long-term HIV care.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to evaluate a new approach that addresses the connection between alcohol use, trauma, and HIV, with the goal of improving health outcomes and care for women living with HIV.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Identify as a woman and have a diagnosis of HIV
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have experienced trauma or stressful life events
- Report current alcohol use
- Are able to participate in remote study activities (phone or video)
- Currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Are currently receiving treatment specifically for alcohol use (depending on study requirements)
- Have any condition that would make participation unsafe or not feasible (as determined by the study team)
Participation is fully remote and will include:
- Completing three virtual study visits (baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up), each lasting about 60 minutes via Zoom
- Participating in four weekly treatment sessions conducted via Zoom (10–60 minutes each, depending on study assignment)
- Taking part in one 30-minute educational session
- Completing a series of expressive writing activities (approximately 15 minutes per day for 5 days)
- Completing surveys and follow-up assessments throughout the study
- Optional participation in biospecimen collection (e.g., self-collected samples)
Participants will receive compensation for completing study activities. This may include:
- Total compensation is up to $235 in Target gift cards for completing study visits (e.g., baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups)
- Additional compensation for completing intervention sessions
- Bonus compensation for completing all follow-up visits
- Small incentives for completing optional activities like biospecimen submission
Total compensation can add up over the course of the study depending on participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
