Adaptation and Evaluation of an Intersectional Stigma Reduction Intervention to Increase HIV Care Engagement Among Women Who Use Drugs

This study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of abehavioral intervention designed to reduce intersectional HIV‐ and drug use‐relatedstigma and improve HIV care engagement among women living with HIV who use drugs inUkraine. A total of 100 eligible women will be randomized to either the intervention or acontrol condition. Participants in both groups will receive standard HIV care and aone‐time consultation with a social worker, complete baseline, 3‐month, and 6‐monthassessments, and have HIV care outcomes assessed. Participants assigned to theintervention will additionally attend five small‐group sessions focused on stigma coping,cognitive‐behavioral skills, communication, social support, and HIV care engagement, withan optional individual session involving a support person. The study will examine effectson HIV care engagement, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and stigma‐related psychosocialoutcomes to inform a future fully powered randomized controlled trial.