1. The P+sitive Story Project
Exploring the lives of adolescents living with
HIV/AIDS
Meghan Prin, medical student
Sunanda Gaur, MD; Gail Burack, PhD
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
New Jersey, USA

2. University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program
Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Founded in 1983
Regional HIV treatment center designated by the
New Jersey State Department of Health & Special
Child Health Services

3. The P+sitive Story Project
Purpose:
To explore the lives of HIV+ adolescents
To investigate the ‘story-telling’/interview
process as a treatment tool
To create a new educational resource

4. Perinatal HIV
Incidence has rapidly declined in the US with
introduction of “Prevention of Maternal Transmission
to Child Treatment” (PMTCT) programs
In New Jersey, the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS
Program has successfully reduced the transmission
rate to < 2%
This cohort of patients is unique

5. Our Population
New Jersey is one of the most diverse states
Population is clustered around several urban
areas
Approximately 8.6 million people
– 76% white; 14% black; 7.7% Asian; 16% Hispanic*
*2008 US Census Data

6. Our Participants
13 youth and young adults aged 9-23
From the middle and northern parts of NJ
Diverse ethnic backgrounds
– 11 were perinatally infected
– 1 was infected by sexual exposure
– 1 was infected by an unknown exposure

8. The Project in Progress….
Assessing Needs

9. What types of resources for HIV+ youth have
you used in the past?
I've talked to my Mom and know.
I don’t was useful.
my
I used my doctors as a resource. It
books. meeting atare two
doctors. Those RWJ hospital.
Internet, an HIV Doctors have been most useful.
I go to
BETV--"Wrap it you can trust,
resources Up" commercials
definitely. I've learned a lot
None. my doctors that friends
from Family
wouldn't know.
Mainly the doctors.
None.
?

10. The Project in Progress….
Assessing Needs
The Interview

13. Emerging Themes
Population allowed for cross section of young
people from beginning of adolescence to
young adulthood
These themes may help us address the areas of
greatest need

14. The P+sitive Story Project Book
7 Chapters:
– Why Me? -Am I Going to Die?
– What Next? -Looking to the Future
– Staying Healthy -When You Wish Upon A Star
– Romance
Fully illustrated with drawings submitted for the RWJ
AIDS Program World AIDS Day Art Contests

19. The Future of the Project
Distribution is currently aimed at local schools
and our hospital’s patient population
Educate other healthcare providers and
HIV/AIDS advocates about these unique
sociocultural issues

21. The P+sitive Story Project
Exploring the lives of adolescents living with
HIV/AIDS
Meghan.prin@gmail.com
-Please contact if interested in ordering copies of books or in further collaboration-