A new photography project helps HIV-infected women identify needs

Local women who have been diagnosed with HIV are participating in a University of Missouri study, in which they will use photographic images to help one another and researchers better understand the needs of HIV-infected individuals.

Researchers will provide the participants with cameras, which they will use to document aspects of their everyday lives with which they believe other HIV-positive people may be able to relate.

"Women with HIV face more challenges than most intervention programs are designed to address," lead researcher Michelle Teti said.

"These women need to discuss more issues than merely how to have safe sex," she added.

After spending two weeks taking pictures, the participants will gather to discuss any personal revelations or ideas for HIV assistance that they may have discovered.

In a similar study conducted in Philadelphia, some women took pictures of their substandard living conditions to advocate for help.

At the end of 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 1.1 million individuals in the U.S. were living with HIV. Approximately 21 percent of these cases were undiagnosed, according to the source.

Anyone who would like to be tested for HIV may consider using online testing services.