Comprehensive Communication for a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care: A Framework for Enhancing Health Communication Messages for People Living with HIV
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Developing Health Communication Messages to Support a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care
3. Contextualizing the C4H Framework: Formative Research to Identify Population-Specific Challenges Within a Syndemic
Directions for Future Research
4. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A. Literature Review Methods
References
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Example Message | Framework Alignment |
---|---|
“You have the power to navigate challenges and create positive change. Commit to your HIV care journey by addressing barriers head-on and finding strategies to overcome them. Your dedication to staying in care, managing any substance use, and nurturing your mental health can improve your overall health. A case manager can connect you with other support, such as housing, transportation, health services, health insurance coverage, and substance use disorder treatment. In most cases, HIV treatment is free! Find services near you. [Link to services.]” | Capacity-building Compassion Comprehensive messaging Coordination of care |
“Life can be challenging, and daily chaos can often distract us from focusing on our health and well-being. You have the power to navigate these challenges. Make a plan to prioritize your HIV treatment, work on managing any substance use, and nurture your well-being to improve your overall health. Find a provider in your community who can support you on your journey. [Link to providers.]” | Capacity-building Compassion Coordination of care |
“Choose progress over perfection. Build positive relationships and surround yourself with a supportive community. Take charge of your well-being, align your choices with your goals, manage any substance use, and prioritize your HIV treatment. Small changes can have a big impact on your health and well-being. Find services in your community. [Link to services.]” | Capacity-building Comprehensive messaging Coordination of Care |
“You possess inner strength and resilience. Celebrate progress along your journey. By taking care of your mental health, you make it easier to manage your HIV.” | Capacity-building Compassion Comprehensive messaging |
“Life’s challenges can sometimes get in the way of HIV care. But you are stronger than your challenges. You may face roadblocks, but you can always find an alternate route. Help is there. You can do this!” | Capacity-building Compassion |
“Prioritize both your mental well-being and your HIV care. You have the power to keep track of your medications, practice self-care, and foster open communication with your care team.” | Capacity-building Comprehensive messaging |
“We know it’s not easy, but you deserve support for both HIV and substance use. Treatment can make a difference, and you don’t have to face it alone.” | Compassion Comprehensive messaging |
“Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking your HIV meds. Both help you stay strong and healthy. Explore free mental health and HIV care resources in your area today! [Link to services.]” | Comprehensive messaging Coordination of care |
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Sheff, S.E.; Boudewyns, V.; Taylor, J.C.; Getachew-Smith, H.; Bhushan, N.L.; Uhrig, J.D. Comprehensive Communication for a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care: A Framework for Enhancing Health Communication Messages for People Living with HIV. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22, 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081231
Sheff SE, Boudewyns V, Taylor JC, Getachew-Smith H, Bhushan NL, Uhrig JD. Comprehensive Communication for a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care: A Framework for Enhancing Health Communication Messages for People Living with HIV. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025; 22(8):1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081231
Chicago/Turabian StyleSheff, Sarah E., Vanessa Boudewyns, Jocelyn Coleman Taylor, Hannah Getachew-Smith, Nivedita L. Bhushan, and Jennifer D. Uhrig. 2025. "Comprehensive Communication for a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care: A Framework for Enhancing Health Communication Messages for People Living with HIV" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22, no. 8: 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081231
APA StyleSheff, S. E., Boudewyns, V., Taylor, J. C., Getachew-Smith, H., Bhushan, N. L., & Uhrig, J. D. (2025). Comprehensive Communication for a Syndemic Approach to HIV Care: A Framework for Enhancing Health Communication Messages for People Living with HIV. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(8), 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081231