Background: Substance abuse, risky behaviors, experiences of sexual/physical violence and financial vulnerability are interlinked in hindering the progress of medicine-assisted treatment (MAT) in women who are currently enrolled in MAT (WEMAT)(1,3,5). Without addressing the financial vulnerability, harm reduction and MAT alone cannot ensure long-term recovery in WEMAT (1,3,4).

Objective: Additional research is required to explore opportunities to address financial vulnerabilities among WEMATs. Even though programs targeting women and adolescent girls’ economic empowermentwere successful in the past, formative research is required to understand whether this model is transferrable to WEMATs.

Method: Qualitative data will be collected using 10 in-depth interviews, 3 focus group discussions, and 5 key-informant interviews. Acceptability and feasibility of economic empowerment program for WEMAT will be assessed based on available resources, social norms, attitudes, and achievements that women want, currently have. Procedures outlined by Charmaz on data research will be used to extract initial coding. Focused codes will be developed by analyzing verbatim transcripts, and theoretical codes will then be developed through consultation with mentors and collaborators to identify perceived barriers/benefits, and resources for economic empowerment for WEMATs.

Outcome: This study will complement survey and qualitative data from Dr. Haneefa Saleem’s research onsocial support and network among women who use drugs (WWUD) in Dar es Salaam. Drawing from evidence of existing models of trauma-informed economic empowerment and MAT programming, this formative research will be an integral part for the next stage of Dr. Saleem’s research on intervention development and strategies for financial empowerment of WEMATs.

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Haneefa Saleem