Dr. Jacqueline F Thomas

Purpose: The prevalence of HIV among Black women is higher than the prevalence among other ethnic groups. Although antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV transmission and mortality, Black women still face health disparities when it comes to receiving health care. The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize research regarding health disparities and health inequities faced by Black women living with HIV (BWLH).Methods: We searched three scholarly databases, PsychNet, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, and 18 peer-reviewed complete studies that met the inclusion criteria.Results: Several themes emerged from the literature, including discrimination, poverty, mental and physical health, health care, and social support. Each theme had a role in the progression of BWLH along the HIV care continuum.Conclusion: Black women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, which involves active engagement in HIV care to sustain viral suppression to prevent the spread of the virus. Factors continue to exist that contribute to health disparities and inequities, such as discrimination, internal and enacted HIV-related stigma, and poverty. Thematic findings in this review indicate that patient-centered care and support systems can positively impact BWLH experiences along the HIV continuum.

•Adults living with HIV are susceptible to various types of infections that are usually preventable by vaccinations.
•Vaccines recommended for adults living with HIV include pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccinations and hepatitis A and B virus vaccines if there is no evidence of immunity.
•Adults living with HIV immune status may contribute to their response to vaccines administered.

Interpreting syphilis screening tests can be a challenge for health care providers. Clinical laboratories primarily use the reverse algorithm to screen for syphilis; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the traditional algorithm. Both algorithms require the interpretation of 2 different serologic assays for screening and confirmation. Serologic testing used in both algorithms is reviewed for nurse practitioners to correctly interpret test results to establish a timely diagnosis and provide stageappropriate treatment. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Women living with HIV have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Screening guidelines recommend that women living with HIV (WLH) have a Papanicolaou (Pap) test more often than the usual standard of care.

Objective: This project examined peer mentorship influence on cervical cancer screening uptake.

Method: A peer mentorship intervention consisted of peer mentors that provided information about cervical cancer screening and assisted with scheduling a gynaecological visit. A retrospective chart review of 129 records identified Pap tests performed for a 3-month period during usual standard of care and during intervention.

Results: A chi-squared test compared the usual standard of care with peer mentorship intervention. Results showed a P-value of 0.021, less than the specified α level of 0.05 indicating a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: This project demonstrated that peer mentorship has a positive influence on cervical cancer screening uptake among WLH. Cultural factors involve women’s belief systems that a Pap test will diagnose instead of screen for cancer. Interventions to improve Pap test screening specifically for WLH are limited and current literature suggests peer mentorship as a strategy to engage persons living with HIV in self-management activities to improve health outcome