In adolescents, oral Truvada and vaginal ring for HIV prevention are safe, acceptable

A monthly vaginal ring and a daily oral tablet, both containing anti-HIV drugs, were safe and acceptable in studies of adolescents, two teams of investigators reported today at the 9^th IAS Conference on HIV Science in Paris. The experimental ring is designed for HIV prevention and the oral tablet is already used for this purpose in adults. Adherence to the ring was high, while adherence to the tablet was moderate and diminished substantially when study visits became less frequent. These studies mark the first time the vaginal ring was tested in adolescent girls younger than 18 years and the first time a clinical trial of the oral tablet as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) specifically for adolescents included girls. The findings pave the way for larger trials of the vaginal ring and oral PrEP in this vulnerable age group.

 

Read more here: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adolescents-oral-truvada-vaginal-ring-hiv-prevention-are-safe-acceptable

Thanks for another successful InWomen’s Conference!

It is with much gratitude that I thank you all for attending the 10th Annual International Women’s and Children’s Health and Gender Group Conference. Every year I am overjoyed to witness the number of researchers, pre- and post-docs, and clinicians who are committed to the InWomen’s mission of addressing issues in substance use among women, children, youth, LGBTQ populations, and also looking at gender differences globally. I hope this conference gave you the opportunity to expand your network and forge valuable connections with the many leading gender experts and emerging leaders. From the panels to the discussion tables to the evening reception, this year’s meeting was truly spectacular. I was also touched by the lunch tribute. Click here for a recap of the event, including photos.

I hope to see you all at the next InWomen’s Conference in 2019, which will take place in San Antonio, TX.   Most sincerely, Dr. Wendee Wechsberg Director, RTI Global Gender Center InWomen’s Chair

Tell us what you think!

Please take a moment to complete the evaluation form for the 2017 InWomen’s Conference. Your feedback is valuable, and will help us as we plan future events. And if you complete the evaluation by June 30, 2017, you’ll be entered for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Take the Survey

2017 InWomen’s Conference Highlights

The International Women’s and Children’s Health and Gender (InWomen’s) Group celebrated its 10th year anniversary on Friday, June 16, 2017 in Montréal, Canada. Over 85 attendees representing 18 different countries gathered at the Hotel Bonaventure, to learn about and discuss recent research concerning the intersections of gender, substance use, and treatment. Special Guest, Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, professor at Pepperdine University, and sacred artist shared empowering words and poetry in the morning before the first panel session and during lunch. Special welcome messages were also shared by Dr. Loretta Finnegan, CPDD Executive Officer, Dr. Claire Sterk, President of Emory University, and Conference Chair, Dr. Wendee Wechsberg.

Panel Sessions

The meeting consisted of two panel sessions that focused on Prenatal Alcohol and Cannabis Use, and Substance Use Disorders in Women and Families. Presentations will be uploaded to the InWomen’s Wiki site shortly.

Panel Session I speakers presented on:

• Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems
• Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and the Current State of the Evidence
• Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Child Neurodevelopment

Panel Session II speakers presented on:

• Implementing a Parenting Intervention for Mothers and Fathers in Substance Use Treatment Programs
• Identity, Culture, and Healing from Opioid Use Disorder and other Addictions: Indigenous Women in Canada
• Who is a SMARTgirl? Demographics, Risk, and HIV among Cambodian Female Entertainment and Sex Workers Participating in an HIV Risk Reduction Intervention in Cambodia

Discussion Tables

The conference also included a discussion table session that encouraged attendees to discuss specific topics and future research areas. Discussion table topics included:

1. Caring for Women with Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions in Primary Care Settings
2. Cannabis, Opioids, and Other Drug Use and Neonatal Outcomes
3. Global Perspective on Women’s Access to Treatment: Stigma, Discrimination, and Other Critical Issue
4. LGBTQ and Substance Use: Factors Associated with Use and Recovery
5. Women and Substance Use, HIV, IPV, and Sex Trafficking
6. Gender and Culturally Centered Treatment Approaches for Indigenous People with Substance Use Disorder
7. The Next 10 Years: Critical Issues and Moving the Field Forward Faster

Poster Presentations

A poster session took place at the meeting with attendees presenting nearly 50 posters. Travel awards were also awarded to 19 poster presenters, who represented 9 different nations, with many coming from the United States, Singapore, and South Africa. Ms. Natasha Ludwig-Barron’s poster “Double Vulnerability: A Qualitative Analysis of Experiences of Partner Violence and Barriers to Help-Seeking among Stimulant-Using Women with Disabilities” received the 2017 Best Poster Award.

Evening Celebration

An evening celebration was also held to commemorate the 10th year of InWomen’s. Guests enjoyed a selfie booth, delicious hors d’oeuvre, dancing, and music provided by Montreal native, DJ TIZI.

Conference Photos

For conference photos visit here: Link on blog

Post-Conference Evaluation

Tell us how it went! Please complete the 2017 InWomen’s Conference online evaluation by 5pm EST on June 30, 2017, for a chance to win a gift card. We appreciate your feedback and will incorporate it into the planning of future conferences.

Click here: http://tinyurl.com/2017InWomenEval

2017 InWomen’s Conference Photo Highlights

This gallery contains 87 photos.

InWomen’s Conference is Happening Now!

The 10th Annual International Women’s and Children’s Health and Gender Group Conference is happening now at the Hotel Bonaventure in Montreal, Canada!

The conference kicked off with warm welcomes from Dr. Loretta Finnegan, CPDD Executive Officer, a video message from Dr. Claire Sterk, President of Emory University, and Conference Chair, Dr. Wendee Wechsberg.

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, licensed psychologist, ordained minister, professor at Pepperdine University, and sacred artist shared empowering words and poetry in the morning before the first panel session, stating, “eagles can carry a lot of weight, and like eagles, we need to live beyond our imagination.”

Speakers on Panel Session I: Prenatal Alcohol and Cannabis Use presented on the following:

• Prenatal exposure to alcohol and child internalizing and externalizing problems
• Prenatal cannabis exposure and the current state of the evidence
• Prenatal cannabis exposure and child neurodevelopment

Attendees are currently gathered at topical discussion tables to discuss the latest research and next steps in the field before breaking for lunch and more poetic-sharing by Dr. Bryant-Davis.

 

2017 InWomen’s Agenda and Room Locations

2017 InWomen’s Conference Materials

Please find 2017 InWomen’s Conference materials at: http://tinyurl.com/2017-InW-Conference-Materials. From this link you will be able to download the program agenda and abstract book. 

Discussion Tables
You will also be able to view the Discussion Table links and retrieve PDFs of the articles related to your discussion table. Before the meeting, please read the 2-3 papers assigned to your discussion table topic. You and the other table participants will then discuss the readings and plan an outline for a review paper on this topic.

Unfortunately, due to the high interest in some tables, attendees that registered after those tables were full were assigned to their second choice table, but we are confident that you will still have a great discussion!

Please see the list of discussants per table at: http://tinyurl.com/2017-InW-Conference-Materials. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!