Grant: Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health

The purpose of this research is to improve Aboriginal women's access to services and overall quality of life by improving their access to primary health care (PHC) and effective HIV prevention strategies. The study uses a participatory, mixed methods research design to evaluate an innovative outreach approach to improving health. Background: Despite recent gains in addressing health inequities, many Aboriginal women continue to experience the negative health effects of injustices, which can lead to increased risk for HIV infection. Research continues to show that access to PHC is key to improving population health outcomes. For example, in the HIV treatment field, outreach has long been used as a way to address barriers to HIV care. However, beyond the HIV care context, less is known about the potential role of accessible, culturally safe outreach delivered by PHC clinics to improve overall health and well-being, and potentially prevent HIV transmission. Research Plan: This study will examine the effectiveness of an outreach intervention tailored to meet the needs of women who are most affected by social inequities and violence. The outreach intervention will include peer support workers and nurses utilizing street outreach, mobile phone and online tools to meet the needs of a variety of women. Methods: Using a mixed methods design, qualitative and quantitative interviews will be conducted with a sample of 40-50 women to study the effectiveness of the outreach intervention. Interviews will focus on quality of life, engagement in care and symptoms of chronic pain, depression and trauma. Staff interviews will focus on strategies for optimizing best practices in outreach services. Significance: This innovative approach of embedding outreach in PHC clinics to address barriers to health care will ultimately inform strategies for improving health equity, including HIV prevention, for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in Canada.