1. Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
Atlanta, GA
Emory University SOM
Kayla Smith, MPH

2. Recruiting for Atlanta WIHS
HIV Positive Women
Two-thirds of the cohort, n=184
Diagnosed with HIV and currently on ARV medications or treatment naïve
HIV Negative Women
One-third of the cohort, n=94
Participated in high-risk behaviors within 5 years prior to enrollment
Atlanta WIHS Cohort
N = 278

3. WIHS Structure
Semi-annual appointments with the Emory University research team at Grady IDP Clinic
6 month visit cycles run from April – September and October – March
Informed consent process
Phlebotomy
In-depth interview
Clinical examination
WIHS visits last ~4 hours

4. WIHS Visit: In-Person Interview
Socio-demographics
Follow-up Health History
Hospitalization/Biopsy Report
Medication History
OB/GYN and Contraceptive History
Alcohol, Drug use and Sexual Behavior
Health Care Utilization
Psychosocial Measures
Educational Experience
Neurocognitive Battery Assessment
All self-reported data collected by clinical research coordinators and interviewers

5. WIHS Interview Standardized, fixed-response interview
Questions and answers mostly predetermined before interview
Responses generally fixed – participant has specific options from which to choose response
Some open-ended questions are also used in the interview

6. Data Collection Materials
Paper copies of all forms, even if using Direct Data Entry
Double-screened computer
Response Cards
Antiretroviral Photo Medication Cards
List of appropriate referrals
Copy of Question-by-Question Specifications (QxQs)
Scrap paper
Two black ball-point pens
Calendar
Calculator

7. WIHS Visit: Clinical Procedures
General physical exam (height, weight, blood pressure, and body habitus measurements)
Gynecological exam with PAP smear
Urine collection
Arterial Brachial Index (ABI) Measurement
Frailty Assessment
Colposcopy and biopsy
(if needed)
Scalp Hair Collection
All procedures conducted
by study NPs or MDs

8. Laboratory Processing
Atlanta WIHS Laboratory
Blood specimens
GYN cervical swabs
Oral fluid samples
Urine specimens

9. WIHS Sub-studies WIHS-FibroScan
An ultrasound-like machine that collects data on the fattiness and stiffness of the liver by using a metal probe device that sends sound waves from the liver to a computer that analyzes the measurements to produce results on the health of
the liver
Women’s Adherence and Visit Engagement (WAVE)
Collects self-reported interview data on the stigma and stress of living with HIV
Collects scalp hair samples to evaluate levels of cortisol which is a biomarker of stress

10. WIHS Retention Quarterly Newsletters Retention Events
4 yearly events including Dinner & a Movie night, Bowling Party, Back to School BBQ, and Holiday Party
Goal: Build rapport and keep the women engaged

11. Atlanta WIHS Team