Norma C. Ware, PhD

Educational History

  • 1981 PhD University of Michigan
  • 1972 MA University of Michigan
  • 1969 BA Kalamazoo College

Norma C. Ware is a medical anthropologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ware conducts research on social and behavioral dimensions of HIV/AIDS treatment, and on mental health services. Her most recent work introduces a social theoretical model of HIV/AIDS treatment for sub-Saharan Africa. The model highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships and other aspects of social context for understanding adherence to antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS in African settings. A re-conceptualization and theory of social integration for individuals who have been disabled by psychiatric illness in the U.S is also part of Dr. Ware’s recent research. Presently she is translating these materials into practical tools for application in mental health services research. Dr. Ware teaches at Harvard Medical School and collaborates widely with colleagues interested in the application of qualitative methods to research on health. She also mentors junior investigators. Dr. Ware has directed NIH-funded research projects investigating influences on adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and in the U.S., social integration following psychiatric disability, the use of ethnography for measure development, the evaluation of research measures for cultural relevance, and social determinants of the course of chronic illness. Dr. Ware served as a member of the Mental Health Services Research Review Committee at the National Institute of Mental Health from 1999-2003.

Courses Taught

Introduction to Social Medicine

Research Interests

  • Social and behavioral dimensions of HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Health systems development in settings of economic scarcity
  • Social integration in recovery from psychiatric disability
  • Use of qualitative methods for health research

Current Projects

  • “Scale Out”: Expanding Access to Community-Based HIV Treatment and Care in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Influences on Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda
  • “Cybersenga”: Use of the Internet to Prevent HIV/AIDS in Ugandan Youth
  • Measure Development for the Study of Social Integration in Mental Health Services Research
  • A Services Approach to Preventive Mental Health for Adolescent Refugees

Select Publications

  • N.C.Ware, K. Hopper, T. Tugenberg, B. Dickey, D. Fisher. A theory of social integration as quality of life. Psychiatric Services, 59(1):1-7, 2008.
  • C. Robins C, N.C. Ware, S. dos Reis, C. Willging, J. Chung , R. Lewis-Fernandez. Dialogues on mixed-methods mental health services research: anticipating challenges, building solutions. Psychiatric Services, 59(17):1-5, 2008.
  • N. C. Ware, K. H. Hopper, T. Tugenberg, B. Dickey, D. Fisher. “Connectedness and Citizenship: Re-defining Social Integration.” Psychiatric Services. 58(4):469-474, 2007.
  • N. C. Ware, M.A. Wyatt, D. Bangsberg. “Examining Theoretical Models of Adherence for Validity in Resource-limited Settings: A Heuristic Approach.” Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 43(S1):S18-S22, 2006.
  • T. Tugenberg, N.C. Ware, M. Wyatt. “Paradoxical Effects of Clinician Emphasis on Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV/AIDS.” AIDS Patient Care and STDs. 20(4):269-274, 2006.
  • N. C. Ware, M. A. Wyatt, T. Tugenberg. “Social Relationships, Stigma, and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV/AIDS.” AIDS Care.18(8):1-7, 2006.
  • N. C. Ware, M. A. Wyatt, T. Tugenberg. “Adherence, Stereotyping and Unequal HIV Treatment for Active Users of Illegal Drugs.” Social Science and Medicine 61:565-576, 2005.
  • N.C. Ware, T. Tugenberg, B. Dickey. Practitioner Relationships and Quality of Care for Low-Income Persons with Serious Mental Illness. Psychiatric Services. 55:5:555-559, 2004.