The uptake of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, including among under-served populations, has improved significantly in the Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) era. However, it is unclear whether patients undergoing HCV treatment are receiving adequate support to engage in healthcare for other concurrent conditions. We sought to characterize psychiatric disorders and depressive symptomatology among a cohort of patients recently treated for HCV. We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Preservation of Sustained Virologic Response (Per-SVR) study, a prospective cohort of individuals who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) following DAA treatment in British Columbia, Canada. After confirming SVR through receipt of an undetectable HCV viral load test within three months post-treatment, participants were enrolled in the study and completed interviewer-administered surveys. Logistic regression was used to characterize depressive symptoms and psychiatric diagnoses. Among 256 participants, 122 (48%) had significant depressive symptoms and 142 (55%) reported ever having been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Less than half (44%) of those with depressive symptoms had ever been diagnosed with depressive disorder. Participants with depressive symptoms were more likely to report experiencing recent healthcare barriers (adjusted odds ratio: 2.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 5.03). We observed a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among a cohort of patients recently treated for HCV, highlighting an opportunity to engage HCV patients in mental health care. The integration of mental health screening and treatment alongside HCV care may improve health outcomes among HCV-affected populations.

Leaving the emergency department (ED) before treatment completion (LBTC) - either without being seen by a physician or against medical advice - is common in substance use-related presentations and associated with adverse outcomes. We assessed determinants and outcomes of LBTC among people with and without HIV (PWH, PWoH) attending an ED with a suspected overdose between 2012-2020 in British Columbia, Canada, using linked administrative data. We identified suspected overdose events presenting to the ED and classified LBTC using diagnosis codes and/or discharge disposition. Using multivariable regression, we assessed (1) whether HIV was associated with LBTC, (2) determinants of LBTC stratified by HIV-status, and (3) whether LBTC was associated with risk of another overdose-related ED attendance, primary care contact, and OAT dispensation within 30 days. Although LBTC was more common among PWH attending the ED with a suspected overdose (13.9% of 632 presentations) than among PWoH (9.0% of 3,057 presentations), HIV was not independently associated with higher LBTC risk. Determinants of LBTC among PWH were age 19-38, lower triage acuity, ED attendance from 04/2016-03/2020, and opioid agonist therapy in the prior five years. Of note, LBTC was independently associated with increased risk for another overdose-related ED attendance within 30 days (adjusted risk ratio: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.01).

Introduction The Comparative Outcomes and Service Utilization Trends (COAST) study compares health outcomes among People With HIV (PWH) and People Without HIV (PWoH) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The cohort was recently updated to include persons diagnosed with HIV after March 31, 2013, and expanded to broaden research applications. Methods COAST includes PWH and a 10% random sample of the general population without HIV, all aged ≥19. Our study links an HIV registry to healthcare practitioner billing, hospital and emergency department attendance data, prescription drug dispensations, and a cancer registry. Our cohort update included new sampling strategies, adding data on emergency department visits not previously captured, and extending our follow-up period to 28 years (from 1992 to 2020). COAST now includes 17,119 PWH and 615,264 PWoH. Findings to date COAST has contributed to our understanding of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, health service utilization, chronic diseases, mental health and substance use disorders, and mortality among PWH in BC. Key findings include earlier age at diagnosis of certain chronic conditions, a higher incidence of mood disorders among PWH, and noteworthy shifts in causes of death among PWH on ART. The updated cohort will provide insights into the changing nature of the population living with HIV in BC and serves as a novel foundation for further research. Future plans To explore and extend knowledge of the evolving trends among people living and aging with HIV in BC, regular data linkage updates and the inclusion of additional datasets are scheduled every two years.

OBJECTIVE:We assessed sex differences in hospitalization rates among people with HIV (PWH) and people without HIV (PWoH) in British Columbia (BC). METHODS:PWH and a 10% random sample of PWoH in BC aged ≥19 were followed from 04/01/2002 to 03/31/2020, using linked administrative Comparative Outcomes and Service Utilization Trends (COAST) study data. Hospitalizations were categorized by discharge diagnosis, using broad International Classification of Diseases-classes. Using Poisson regression, we modelled the association between sex, HIV-status, their interaction, and hospitalization rates adjusting for confounders. RESULTS:Among 12,635 PWH (17.81% females) and 548,992 PWoH (49.34% females), age-adjusted hospitalization rates per 100 person-years were highest among females with HIV [incidence rate (IR) 34.25], followed by males with HIV (IR 21.49), females (IR 7.10), and males (IR 7.06) without HIV. Hospitalization rates for all causes declined from 2002-2022 across all subgroups but remained consistently higher among females with HIV, except for circulatory diseases and neoplasms. Adjusted for socio-structural factors, being male [rate ratio (RR) 1.92] or female with HIV (RR 2.66) was significantly associated with a higher hospitalization rate compared to males without HIV. Among PWH, female sex remained significantly associated with a higher hospitalization rate, after adjusting for HIV- and disease-related factors. CONCLUSIONS:We found a higher hospitalization rate among PWH than PWoH in BC, with the highest rate among females with HIV. This could partially be explained by socio-structural factors. Addressing these disparities and improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms is critical to enhance health outcomes for women with HIV.

The HIV program in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) provides care for all persons living with HIV (PLWH) in NL, yet progress toward UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals for diagnosis, linkage to care and viral suppression has not previously been documented. This analysis describes engagement in HIV care and virologic outcomes for the NL cohort in 2016 and 2019 and compares this data to the Canadian HIV Observational Cohort (CANOC). A retrospective review of the NL clinic included adults aged >18 years and descriptive statistics for demographics, risk factors, and clinical variables were assessed and compared using χ2 test or Fisher's Exact test (categorical) or Wilcoxon Sum Rank test (continuous). Engagement in care and virologic outcomes for the NL cohort were consistently high over the 2016 to 2019 period with > 98% on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and > 96% having a suppressed virus load. Engagement in care and virologic outcomes among PLWH in NL is high and compares favorably to a national cohort.

Despite the growing importance of HIV clinical care and research, scarce research has investigated multimorbidity among transgender populations. This study investigated multimorbidity burden for transgender people living with HIV (PLWH) using data from a large longitudinal cohort collaboration representative of HIV care-engaged adults in North America with cisgender (cis) comparators. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated chronic disease multimorbidity (HIV and ≥1 of chronic kidney disease, liver fibrosis, type two diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and anxiety/depression) prevalence and incidence rate ratios by gender identity from January 2000 through December 2016 among adults (≥18 years old) engaged in HIV care in the United States and Canada among the North American TRAnsgender Cohort Collaboration, nested within the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design. The total study sample included 301 transgender women (TW), 26 transgender men (TM), 11,504 cis women (CW), and 51,029 cis men (CM). At study entry, TW and TM were younger and more TW and TM were Black compared with CM. The prevalence and incidence of chronic disease multimorbidity were elevated for transgender PLWH, though without consistent statistically significant effects. Suggestive evidence of elevated multimorbidity and potential disparity among TW and TM compared with CW and CM in the current study highlights the importance of future studies with improved gender ascertainment and the ability to recruit larger transgender samples. Attention to intervenable chronic disease risk factors including smoking, and potentially unique vulnerabilities for TW vs TM, is also warranted.

Background: Although sexual activity and function decline in older women living with HIV, positive dimensions of sexual health, such as satisfaction, are relatively unexplored. We evaluated the prevalence of sexual satisfaction for midlife women with HIV and assessed its relation to women's physical, mental, and sociostructural experiences. Setting: We studied women in the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) over 3 survey waves (2013–2018). Methods: We included women living with HIV aged ≥45 years who reported ever having consensual sex. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using an item from the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women and was dichotomized into satisfactory (“completely/very/reasonably satisfactory”) and not satisfactory (“not very/not at all satisfactory”). Probable depression was based on CES-D ≥10. Multivariable logistic regression and fixed effects models determined correlates of sexual satisfaction. Reasons for sexual inactivity and alternate forms of sexual expression were also explored. Results: Among 508 midlife women, 61% were satisfied with their sexual lives at baseline. Women with probable depression had lower odds of sexual satisfaction than those without (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.71) and worsening depressive symptoms over time were associated with poorer sexual satisfaction ( P = 0.001). Increased sexual activity was associated with higher sexual satisfaction (aOR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.54 to 4.91); however, 51% of women reporting sexual satisfaction were sexually inactive. Sexually inactive women engaged in alternate forms of sexual expression such as self-pleasure (37%) and intimate relationships without sex (13%). Conclusion: Midlife women with HIV have high rates of sexual satisfaction, even in the absence of sexual activity. Depressive symptoms were closely associated with sexual dissatisfaction, alerting providers to the importance of screening for depression and sexual health together.

Objectives: People living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada can face criminal charges for human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure before sex, unless a condom is used and their viral load is <1500 copies/mL. We measured the reported impact of human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law on violence from sexual partners among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada. Methods: We used cross-sectional survey data from wave 3 participant visits (2017–2018) within Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study; a longitudinal, community-based cohort of women living with human immunodeficiency virus in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Our primary outcome was derived from response to the statement: ‘[HIV non-disclosure case law has] increased my experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners’. Participants responding ‘strongly agree/agree’ were deemed to have experienced increased violence due to the law. Participants responding ‘not applicable’ (i.e. those without sexual partners) were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law. Results: We included 619/937 wave 3 participants. Median age was 46 (interquartile range: 39–53) and 86% had experienced verbal/physical/sexual violence in adulthood. Due to concerns about human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law, 37% had chosen not to have sex with a new partner, and 20% had disclosed their human immunodeficiency virus status to sexual partners before a witness. A total of 21% self-reported that human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law had increased their experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners. In adjusted analyses, women reporting non-White ethnicity (Indigenous; African/Caribbean/Black; Other), unstable housing and high human immunodeficiency virus–related stigma had significantly higher odds of reporting increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law. Conclusion: Findings bolster concerns that human immunodeficiency virus criminalization is a structural driver of intimate partner violence, compromising sexual rights of women living with human immunodeficiency virus. Human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law intersects with other oppressions to regulate women’s sexual lives.

Objectives: We assessed the prevalence and correlates of sexual concerns and associated distress among women living with HIV in Canada. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (2017–2018). Self-identified women living with HIV were asked about sexual concerns post-HIV diagnosis and associated distress (none, mild, moderate, severe). Five areas of concern were assessed, including difficulties related to sexual self-esteem, sexual function, relationships, and emotional and behavioral aspects of sex. Logistic regression analyses identified correlates of reporting any sexual concerns and severe distress about these concerns. Results: Of 906 participants (median age 48, Q1–Q3 = 41–55), 596 (65.8%) reported sexual concerns post-HIV diagnosis. We found a high prevalence of concerns related to relationships (43.3%), sexual self-esteem (49.4%), and emotional aspects of sex (45.4%), relative to sexual functioning (38.4%) and behavioral aspects (33.7%). Of those with sexual concerns, 36.7% reported severe distress. Reports of severe distress were the highest for relationship difficulties (32.5%), relative to other areas of concern (21.4%–22.8%). In adjusted analyses, women reporting sexual dissatisfaction and high HIV-related stigma had significantly higher odds of reporting sexual concerns. Conversely, those reporting higher resilience, better mental health, African, Caribbean, and Black identity, and sex as somewhat unimportant, not at all important, or neutral to their lives had lower adjusted odds. Factors associated with severe distress about sexual concerns included older age, body dissatisfaction, sexual dissatisfaction, and high HIV-related stigma, while better mental health and getting support from someone living with HIV were protective. While 84.4% of women had discussed with a provider how viral load impacts transmission risk, only 40.6% had conversations about sexual wellbeing. Conclusion: More attention to women’s sexual wellbeing within social and relational contexts is critical to ensure the sexual rights of women living with HIV are upheld.

Background: Sexual relationship power (SRP) inequities, including having a controlling partner, have not been widely examined among women living with HIV (WLWH). We measured the prevalence and key outcomes of relationship control among WLWH in Canada. Methods: Baseline data from WLWH (≥16 years), reporting consensual sex in the last month enrolled in a Canadian community-collaborative cohort study in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, included the relationship control SRP subscale by Pulerwitz (2000). Scale scores were dichotomized into medium/low (score = 1–2.82) vs. high relationship control (score = 2.82–4), and high scores indicate greater SRP equity. Cronbach's alpha assessed scale reliability. Bivariate analyses compared women with high vs. medium/low relationship control. Crude and adjusted multinomial regression examined associations between relationship control and condom use [consistent (ref), inconsistent, or never]; any sexual, physical, and/or emotional violence; and physical and/or sexual violence [never (ref), recent (≤3 months ago), and previous (>3 months ago)]. Results: Overall, 473 sexually active WLWH (33% of cohort), median age = 39 (IQR = 33–46) years, 81% on antiretroviral therapy, and 78% with viral loads <50 copies/mL were included. The subscale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). WLWH with high relationship control (80%) were more likely (P < 0.05) to be in a relationship, have no children, have greater resilience, and report less sociostructural inequities. In adjusted models, high relationship control was associated with lower odds of inconsistent vs. consistent condom use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85)], any recent violence [aOR: 0.14 (0.04–0.47)] as well as recent physical and/or sexual [aOR : 0.05 (0.02–0.17)] but not previous violence (vs. never). Discussion: Prioritizing relationship equity and support for WLWH is critical for addressing violence and promoting positive health outcomes.

Purpose: Centering Two-Spirit (2S) and Indigenous experiences and ways is critical for more respectful, reciprocal, relevant, and responsible sexual health research with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). The Two-Spirit Dry Lab, a collaborative initiative of Indigenous and settler researchers, conducted a study to explore drivers of sexual health knowledge with 2S and other Indigenous gbMSM community(ies). Methods: We used data from the 2015 Canadian Sex Now online survey. Our models balanced Indigenous ways of knowing with western epidemiology: we applied mitakuye oyasin (i.e., everything is related)—a Sioux teaching—alongside linear regression (i.e., certain relationships enable certain outcomes), to examine drivers of sexual health knowledge (a 6-point scale), comparing 2S and other Indigenous gbMSM. We also examined differences between those living in urban settings versus those living in non-urban ones. Results: Income and education were correlated, as were having a gay peer network, living in an urban setting, social support, and education. Income, education, gay peer network, and social support were associated with greater sexual health knowledge, as was younger age. In stratified analyses, living in an urban setting had a large and statistically significant association with sexual health knowledge for 2S men but not for other Indigenous men. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the need to work with 2S and other Indigenous gbMSM to improve sexual health knowledge, focusing in particular on those with lower levels of income or educational attainment—who are less connected to gay peer networks—and older men.

Background:The clinical and demographic characteristics that predict antiretroviral efficacy among patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) remain poorly defined. We evaluated HIV virological suppression and rebound in a cohort of HIV-HBV co-infected patients initiated on antiretroviral therapy.Methods:A retrospective cohort analysis was performed with Canadian Observation Cohort Collaboration data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the factors associated with time to virological suppression and time to virological rebound.Results:HBV status was available for 2,419 participants. A total of 8% were HBV co-infected, of whom 95% achieved virological suppression. After virological suppression, 29% of HIV-HBV co-infected participants experienced HIV virological rebound. HBV co-infection itself did not predict virological suppression or rebound risk. The rate of virological suppression was lower among patients with a history of injection drug use or baseline CD4 cell counts of <199 cells per cubic millimetre. Low baseline HIV RNA and men-who-have-sex-with-men status were significantly associated with a higher rate of virological suppression. Injection drug use and non-White race predicted viral rebound.Conclusions:HBV co-infected HIV patients achieve similar antiretroviral outcomes as those living with HIV mono-infection. Equitable treatment outcomes may be approached by targeting resources to key subpopulations living with HIV-HBV co-infection.

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is a complicated process for youth with chronic illnesses. This study elucidates the unique factors affecting transition preparedness and perception of adult HIV care among a cohort of young women with HIV. Between 2013 and 2015, 48 women with HIV, who had experience with pediatric HIV care, were enrolled in a large Canadian cohort study. Variables were self-reported during peer-administered surveys. Only 60% reported feeling prepared for transition. Having never had contact with child protection services ( P = .049), never been in foster care ( P = .011), never been in a group home ( P = .036), reporting a higher current CD4 count ( P = .033), and reporting a younger ideal age for transition ( P = .041) were associated with transition preparedness. Eighty-four percent reported equivalent or better HIV care following transition. Correlates of equivalent/better care following transition included lower personal income ( P = .023), higher CD4 count ( P = .021), care by an adult infectious diseases specialist ( P = .002), and transition preparedness ( P = .005). Our findings highlight the importance of adequate transition preparation and its effect on perception of care following transition.

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) share common risk factors for exposure. Co-infected patients have an increased liver-related mortality risk and may have accelerated HIV progression. The epidemiology and demographic characteristics of HIV-HBV co-infection in Canada remain poorly defined. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics and factors associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis between HIV and HIV-HBV co-infected patients. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from the Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC) Collaboration, including eight sites from British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. Eligible participants were HIV-infected patients who initiated combination ARV between January 1, 2000 and December 14, 2014. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between HIV-HBV co-infected and HIV-infected groups using chi-square or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables, and Wilcoxon’s Rank Sum test for continuous variables. Liver fibrosis was estimated by the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI). Results HBV status and APRI values were available for 2419 cohort participants. 199 (8%) were HBV co-infected. Compared to HIV-infected participants, HIV-HBV co-infected participants were more likely to use injection drugs (28% vs. 21%, p = 0.03) and be HCV-positive (31%, vs. 23%, p = 0.02). HIV-HBV co-infected participants had lower baseline CD4 T cell counts (188 cells/mm 3 , IQR: 120–360) compared to 235 cells/mm 3 in HIV-infected participants (IQR: 85–294) ( p = 0.0002) and higher baseline median APRI scores (0.50 vs. 0.37, p < 0.0001). This difference in APRI was no longer clinically significant at follow-up (0.32 vs. 0.30, p = 0.03). HIV-HBV co-infected participants had a higher mortality rate compared to HIV-infected participants (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.02). Conclusion The prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics of the HIV-HBV co-infected population in Canada is described. HIV-HBV co-infected patients have higher mortality, more advanced CD4 T cell depletion, and liver fibrosis that improves in conjunction with ARV therapy. The high prevalence of unknown HBV status demonstrates a need for increased screening among HIV-infected patients in Canada.

OBJECTIVES:To measure the prevalence and correlates of abnormal menstruation among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Canada.METHODS:We used cross-sectional questionnaire data from the community-based Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS), which enrolled WLWH aged ≥16 from British Columbia (BC), Ontario, and Quebec. For this analysis, we excluded women >45 years, who had primary amenorrhea, were pregnant, on hormonal contraception, or who reported history of endometrial cancer, last menstrual period >12 months ago, or premature ovarian failure. The primary outcome was abnormal menstruation (Yes vs No) based on responses to five questions about menstrual regularity, frequency, volume, duration, and intermenstrual bleeding in the six months prior to interview. An exploratory multivariable logistic regression analysis examined independent correlates of abnormal menstruation.RESULTS:Of 1422 women enrolled, 521 (37%) met eligibility criteria. Overall, 55.9% (95% CI:52%-60%) reported abnormal menstruation. In adjusted analyses, abnormal menstruation was associated with having a biologic sister/mother who entered menopause before age 40 (AOR 5.01, 95%CI 1.39-18.03), Hepatitis B co-infection (AOR 6.97, 95%CI 1.52-31.88), current smoking (AOR 1.69, 95%CI 1.55-3.41); and currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) (AOR 2.36, 95%CI 1.25-4.45) compared to being ART-naïve. Women in BC had higher adjusted odds of abnormal menstruation (AOR 2.95, 95%CI 1.61-5.39), relative to women in Ontario and Quebec.CONCLUSIONS:Over half of WLWH in this analysis had abnormal menstruation. Correlates of abnormal menstruation include genetic, socio-behavioural factors (province of residence, smoking), Hepatitis B co-infection, and current ART use.

BACKGROUNDCisgender women with HIV experience an elevated risk of cervical cancer compared with HIV-negative women, but this cancer can be prevented through regular cervical cancer screening. Our study objective was to measure adherence to current national cervical cancer screening guidelines among women with HIV in 3 Canadian provinces and identify factors associated with delays.METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional study using the baseline questionnaire of the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS). Participants were recruited through clinics, peers and community organizations in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Women were eligible for inclusion if they were cisgender female with HIV, aged 21-70 years, and never had cervicectomy/hysterectomy.RESULTSOf 1189 eligible participants, 815 (68.5%) had received cervical cancer screening less than 1 year ago (i.e., as recommended), 211 (17.7%) 1-3 years ago (i.e., moderate delay) and 163 (13.7%) at least 3 years ago or never (i.e., long delay). Overall, 309 (26.0%) had never discussed the need for a Papanicolaou smear with a nurse/doctor. Factors associated with a long delay were living in Ontario (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-4.88) or Quebec (adjusted OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.79-7.67) (v. BC), being sexually inactive in the past 6 months (adjusted OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.25), having unknown or < 200 cells/mm3 CD4 counts (adjusted OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.11-2.85) and having a male HIV care provider (adjusted OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36-3.42).INTERPRETATIONOver one-third of women reported cervical cancer screening delays, and one-quarter had never discussed cervical cancer screening recommendations with a health care provider. Additional efforts are needed to improve women's and health care providers' awareness of cervical cancer screening recommendations, particularly among women who are sexually inactive, who are immunosuppressed and who have male HIV care providers.

In 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that people with HIV are legally obligated to disclose their serostatus before sex with a “realistic possibility” of HIV transmission, suggesting a legal obligation to disclose unless they use condoms and have a low HIV viral load (< 1500 copies/mL). We measured prevalence and correlates of ruling awareness among 1230 women with HIV enrolled in a community-based cohort study (2015–2017). While 899 (73%) participants had ruling awareness, only 37% were both aware of and understood ruling components. Among 899 aware participants, 34% had never discussed disclosure and the law with healthcare providers, despite only 5% being unwilling to do this. Detectable/unknown HIV viral load, lack of awareness of prevention benefits of antiretroviral therapy, education ≤ high-school and high HIV-related stigma were negatively associated with ruling awareness. Discussions around disclosure and the law in community and healthcare settings are warranted to support women with HIV.

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) experience stigma and elevated exposure to violence in comparison with HIV‐negative women. We examined the mediating role of experiencing recent violence in the relationship between stigma and depression among WLHIV in Canada.

Background: Associations between HIV-related stigma and reduced antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are widely established, yet the mechanisms accounting for this relationship are underexplored. There has been less attention to HIV-related stigma and its associations with ART initiation and current ART use. We examined pathways from HIV-related stigma to ART initiation, current ART use, and ART adherence among women living with HIV in Canada. Methods: We used baseline survey data from a national cohort of women living with HIV in Canada (n = 1425). Structural equation modeling using weighted least squares estimation methods was conducted to test the direct effects of HIV-related stigma dimensions (personalized, negative self-image, and public attitudes) on ART initiation, current ART use, and 90% ART adherence, and indirect effects through depression and HIV disclosure concerns, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Results: In the final model, the direct paths from personalized stigma to ART initiation (&bgr; = −0.104, P < 0.05) and current ART use (&bgr; = −0.142, P < 0.01), and negative self-image to ART initiation (&bgr; = −0.113, P < 0.01) were significant, accounting for the mediation effects of depression and HIV disclosure concerns. Depression mediated the pathways from personalized stigma to ART adherence, and negative self-image to current ART use and ART adherence. Final model fit indices suggest that the model fit the data well [&khgr;2(25) = 90.251, P < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.945; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.044]. Conclusions: HIV-related stigma is associated with reduced likelihood of ART initiation and current ART use, and suboptimal ART adherence. To optimize the benefit of ART among women living with HIV, interventions should reduce HIV-related stigma and address depression.

Objectives: This study sought to describe the recruitment of women living with HIV (WLWH) into the community-based Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS), because women are underrepresented in HIV research. Methods: There were 1,424 WLWH were enrolled from British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, who completed detailed questionnaires administered by peer research associates (PRAs; WLWH with research training). During screening, participants were asked: "How did you hear about the study?" We describe recruitment strategies by subpopulation and offer reflections on challenges and successes. Results: Of 1,131 participants with complete data, 40% identified as White, 33% African/Caribbean/Black, and 19% Indigenous. The median age was 45 years (interquartile range, 37-51) and 4% identified as trans women. Overall, 35% were recruited through PRAs/peers, 34% clinics, and 19% AIDS service organizations (ASOs). PRAs/peers were the predominant recruitment method in Ontario (49%), compared with clinics in British Columbia (40%), and Quebec (43%). Nationally, PRAs/peers were more successful in recruiting WLWH commonly considered to be "harder to reach" (e.g., women identifying as trans, using drugs, not receiving HIV care). Clinics were more effective in recruiting younger women (16-29 years) and women not using ASOs. Recruitment challenges centered on engaging these harder to reach women. Successes included hiring PRAs who built participant trust, linking with clinics to reach women isolated from HIV communities, involving outreach workers to engage street-involved women, and disseminating study information to diverse stakeholders. Conclusions: Having multiple approaches, engaging a diverse team of PRAs, ensuring flexibility, and cultivating reciprocal relationships with community stakeholders were key to recruiting a diverse and representative sample of WLWH.