Dimensions of housing safety among women living with HIV in British Columbia: Results from a qualitative community-based research study.

objectivesHousing plays a significant role in the health of people living with HIV. There are gender-specific and compounding effects of violence, trauma, and other structural factors that may interact with housing experiences for women living with HIV. We used a trauma-informed lens to explore how people who identified as women (i.e., cisgender and transgender women) living with HIV in British Columbia perceived housing safety, and strategies they employed to manage or address threats to housing safety.

methodsA sub-sample of 49 participants who identified as women was selected from a larger community-based research project, Positive Living, Positive Homes, a longitudinal qualitative comparative case study of housing experiences among people living with HIV. Local coordinators conducted semi-structured interviews at two time points, approximately 12 months apart. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for descriptive thematic analysis.

resultsWe identified three inter-related dimensions of safety in housing for women living with HIV: physical, psychological, and financial safety. These safety themes were consistent across different cultural identities, although African immigrant women faced distinct financial safety pressures. Narratives around housing safety revealed the importance of other identities (e.g., as parents or caregivers) in addition to being women living with HIV. Within their housing situations, participants were continuously building safety mechanisms, and many experienced cycles of safety and lack of safety.

conclusionTo recognize the safety needs and trauma histories of many women living with HIV, gender-, trauma-, and violence-informed approaches to housing and housing services are needed.