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BackgroundAudio Computer-Assisted Self Interviewing (ACASI) has improved the reliability and accuracy of self-reported HIV health and risk behavior data, yet few studies account for how participants experience the data collection process.Methodology/Principal FindingsThis exploratory qualitative analysis aimed to better understand the experience and implications of using ACASI among HIV-positive women participating in sexual risk reduction interventions in Chicago (n = 12) and Philadelphia (n = 18). Strategies of Grounded Theory were used to explore participants' ACASI experiences.Conclusion/SignificanceKey themes we identified included themes that could be attributed to the ACASI and other methods of data collection (e.g., paper-based self-administered questionnaire or face-to-face interviews). The key themes were usability; privacy and honesty; socially desirable responses and avoiding judgment; and unintentional discomfort resulting from recalling risky behavior using the ACASI. Despite both positive and negative findings about the ACASI experience, we conclude that ACASI is in general an appropriate method for collecting sensitive data about HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among HIV-positive women because it seemed to ensure privacy in the study population allowing for more honest responses, minimize socially desirable responses, and help participants avoid actual or perceived judgment.

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This is the first study to show that a factor which can stimulate HIV-1 replication is present at biologically active levels in the reproductive tract of women. This factor could potentially affect sexual or vertical transmission of HIV-1 by altering genital tract virus load or virus expression.

As HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately affect African American communities, there is a growing need for empirically based, culturally appropriate, tailored interventions for this clientele. As part of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)/Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) initiative to increase prevention amongst those living with HIV, we implemented the Treatment Advocacy Program Intervention at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, IL, USA. The main goal of the intervention was to help patients increase their medication adherence and sexual safety skills. This paper describes the rationale for implementing this peer-based HIV-prevention intervention, discusses how the intervention was tailored to work within our low socio-economic status, urban patient population, and reviews the training and quality assurance activities needed to integrate the intervention into our primary care clinic. We review the intervention content in detail, including the structure of the multiple, one-on-one education sessions, and the core topics covered (medication adherence and sexual safety). Finally, we discuss the challenges in implementing this program, many of which arise from the chaotic social situations that our patients experience.