CULTURALLY RELEVANT POSITIVE PREVENTION EDUCATION FOR OLDER HIV SEROPOSITIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN: A PEER-LED APPROACH IN INNER CITY BOSTON
PI: Dr.Rosanna DeMarco
What: Funded study by the Norbert Hardner Foundation comparing the efficacy of meditation, film treatment (Women's Voces Women's Lives) and writing in a group setting with usual care group support. Groups are led by older African American women living with HIV/AIDS. Requires 6 weekly meetings and one 6 month follow-up meeting; Cash incentives are offered at week 2, 6, and 6 month meetings.
Where: Women of Color AIDS Council/Women Connecting and Affecting Change (WCAC) 407 Blue Hill Avenue., Dorchester, MA 617-541-1050 (http://www.wcacinc.org); Wednesday and Thursday Evenings from 6-7:30pm
Who: African American women living with HIV/AIDS that are 40 years old or older and clinicians who know African American women living with HIV/AIDS who think there is interest in this study. please contact Dr. Rosanna DeMarco at 617-552-8718.
Study on Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious disorder. It is associated with life-threatening medical complications, significant chronicity, and less than optimal outcomes including high mortality rates. A research team, headed up by Dr. Barbara Wolfe is examining the neurobiology of anorexia nervosa. Investigators are currently following-up on previous studies suggesting that decreased serotonin function in the brain may play a role in accompanying symptoms (e.g., depression), tendency for relapse, and limited effectiveness of medications that target the serotonin system in this population. Brain serotonin is dependent upon nutrients from food, more specifically, the amino acid tryptophan. The team is interested in understanding the possible contribution of intermittent and /or persistent dieting to the availability of tryptophan and brain levels of serotonin. Results will help clarify the usefulness of new strategies for improving the function of these systems. To hear more about the study, please contact Addie Smith at 617 552-2758 or at eating@bc.edu.
Interested in Participating?
The study is currently enrolling women age 18-45 who are either currently diagnosed with, or recovered from, symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa and also healthy controls. Volunteers must be in stable medical condition, and not taking medications (with the exception of oral contraceptives). For this study of behavioral ratings and blood hormone levels. Eligible participants will receive up to $550 for a total of 4 outpatient visits and two overnight stays at the Clinical Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Contact Addie Smith at 617 552-2758 or at eating@bc.edu.