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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 3/2019

01-10-2019 | Care | Original Paper

Perceived Value of Microenterprise for Low-Income Women Living with HIV in Alabama

Authors: Melonie Walcott, Mirjam-Colette Kempf, Jessica S. Merlin, Amy Nunn, Janet M. Turan

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Special Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

We characterized the potential benefits and risks of participating in a microenterprise program targeting low-income women living with HIV (WLWH) in Alabama; and described potential mechanisms through which microenterprise programs could influence sexual risk behaviors and engagement in HIV care. Fourteen stakeholders and 46 WLWH (89% African American) participated in the qualitative study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (stakeholders) and focus group discussions (WLWH). NVivo qualitative software was used for the management and analysis of the data. The data revealed four main mechanisms through which microenterprise programs could potentially improve health outcomes: (1) social support and encouragement from other women, (2) improvement in self-esteem, (3) creating structure in the women’s lives, and (4) financial strengthening. Potential risks included unwanted disclosure of HV status, stigma and loss of insurance benefits. Microenterprise programs have the potential to be acceptable and may contribute to improved health and social outcomes among low-income WLWH in Alabama.
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Metadata
Title
Perceived Value of Microenterprise for Low-Income Women Living with HIV in Alabama
Authors
Melonie Walcott
Mirjam-Colette Kempf
Jessica S. Merlin
Amy Nunn
Janet M. Turan
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue Special Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-019-02656-9

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