Methodological and Measurement Advances in Social Determinants of HIV: View from NIH

Social determinants are increasingly understood as key contributors to patterns of heightened risk for HIV acquisition and suboptimal care and treatment outcomes. Yet, the ability to rigorously model, map and measure these nuanced social dynamics has been a challenge, resulting in limited examples of effective interventions and resource allocation. In 2016, the United States National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) issued a Request for Applications calling for methodological innovations around the social determinants of HIV. In May of 2019, NIMH, in collaboration with American University’s Center on Health, Risk and Society and the DC Center for AIDS Research, sponsored a symposium to bring together the funded teams to share accomplishments, distill lessons learned and reflect on the state of the science with other key stakeholders. Presentations focused on causal inference, multi-level analysis and mathematical modeling (Models); geospatial analytics and ecological momentary assessments (Maps); and measurement of social and structural determinants including inequalities and stigmas (Measures). Cross-cutting and higher-level themes were discussed and largely focused on the importance of critical and careful integration of social theory, community engagement and mixed methodologies into research on the social determinants of HIV.