Multimedia sister circles: a study protocol advancing an intergenerational approach to sexual health and HIV prevention for black women and girls (RoyalTea study).

BACKGROUND: Black women in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), shaped by social determinants, stigma, and limited access to culturally responsive sexual health interventions. Health communication film, community-based, and intergenerational approaches have shown promise in promoting engagement and dialogue around sensitive health topics, yet brief, scalable interventions tailored to Black women across the life course remain underexplored.

METHODS: This protocol describes a mixed-methods, pre-post, single-session intergenerational group intervention designed to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of RoyalTea: Mind, Body, and Soul Care, a film-centered Sister Circle intervention. Approximately 200 Black women aged 18 years and older, living with or vulnerable to HIV, will be recruited from community-based settings using purposive strategies. Each intervention session lasts approximately 2.5-3 h and includes HIV and sexual health education, viewing of a 25-min health communication film (Even Me), pre- and post-intervention surveys, and a facilitated intergenerational Sister Circle discussion. Quantitative measures assess HIV-related motivation and behavioral intentions, HIV prevention self-efficacy, and HIV knowledge before and after the intervention. Qualitative data are collected through open-ended post-survey items and semi-structured group discussions to examine participants' interpretations of sexual health, HIV prevention, stigma, and community responsibility.

ANALYSIS: Pre-post change in quantitative outcomes will be examined using paired statistical analyses. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically to explore perceived impact, meaning-making, and mechanisms of change. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be integrated during interpretation to provide a comprehensive assessment of intervention feasibility and potential effects.

DISCUSSION: This study will generate evidence on the feasibility of a brief, intergenerational, multimedia-based Sister Circle intervention for promoting sexual health and HIV prevention among Black women. Findings will inform future intervention refinement and larger-scale evaluations, and contribute to the development of culturally grounded, community-engaged strategies to address HIV-related inequities across the life course for Black women.