CHIWOS is committed to the principles of GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) and MIWA (Meaningful Involvement of Women Living with HIV/AIDS), and involves HIV-positive women in all stages of the research process, from conceptualization and study design, to survey development, to implementation and analysis. CHIWOS is guided by Critical Feminist and Social Justice frameworks and conducts analyses considering the impact of the Social Determinants of Health over the lifespan. CHIWOS is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN 262).

CHIWOS seeks to move research into action to improve lives and care for women living with HIV in Canada. The overall study aims are to: (1) Assess the barriers and facilitators to use of women-centred HIV/AIDS services, and factors associated with service use among women living with HIV in Canada; and (2) Assess the effect of women-centred HIV/AIDS service use on the sexual, reproductive, emotional, and women’s health outcomes of women living with HIV in Canada.

CHIWOS enrolled 1,422 women living with HIV from British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec – the three Canadian provinces with the largest number of HIV-positive women. Surveys were administered by Peer Research Associates (PRAs), who are women living with HIV and integral members of the research team. Participants (aged 16 years or older, living with HIV, and identifying as a woman) have been asked to complete a survey at enrolment and at two 18-month follow ups. CHIWOS completed the last survey, Wave 3, in September 2018. Study recruitment has been successful through clinics, AIDS Service Organisations (ASOs), community-based organisations, online, and through peer networks. Through this study, we aim to yield findings of high value and relevance to the diverse community of women living with HIV in Canada, which, can be used to improve and tailor services and supports that positively impact health and well-being.

CHIWOS has also recently been awarded renewal funding from CIHR, which will be used to support additional longitudinal follow-up with participants, integrate Body Mapping workshops, and expand CHIWOS to reach women in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.