A Stress Process Model of Depression and Sexual Risk Among HIV Seropositive MSM

University Of Miami Coral Gables, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award for Individual Predoctoral Fellows in Nursing Research is to provide Aubrey Florom-Smith, a second year BSN to PhD doctoral student, with a rich and varied training experience during her dissertation period. Two years of funding are requested affording the applicant, through the proposed training plan, a hands-on experience conducting a quantitative study and increased mentorship and guidance from talented sponsors and co-mentors experienced in every facet of the proposed study. Field experiences with nationally recognized research teams and health care providers experienced in HIV/AIDS and health care issues affecting men who have sex with men living with HIV/AIDS (MLWHA) will enhance the applicant's experience. Additional graduate level coursework will further augment her knowledge of HIV/AIDS as a social, cultural, political and behavioral health issue. Further, she will enhance her career development by acquiring valuable contacts for future endeavors and disseminating her findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at local, national and international conferences. The proposed cross-sectional, observational study, testing alternate stress process models predicting depression and sexual risk among MLWHA, is predicated upon the concept that stressors, in the form of gay- related or HIV-related discrimination, may impact health-related behaviors and mental health, depression and high risk sexual behavior, and that the effect of stressors can be influenced by intervening chronic strains, such as internalized homophobia and internalized HIV-related stigma. Alternate models will examine whether the intervening variables are statistical moderators or mediators. Because the chronic strains (internalized homophobia and internalized HIV-related stigma) are conceptualized as emerging from the stressors (discrimination), negative life events and social support will be explored to place these stressors within the context of the individual's stress process. Demographic variables will be examined as control variables to ensure they do not mask the effects of interest. An investigation of the pathways linking these factors may result in increased opportunities for more efficacious HIV prevention intervention development with this population. The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, which contains the NCMHD-funded Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research: El Centro, and which has close ties to outstanding scholars and both physical and community resources, provides an ideal setting for the proposed training plan. An NRSA would provide a solid foundation upon which the applicant could base her future efforts as a nurse scientist, educator and advocate to help reduce new HIV infections and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of MLWHA.