Completed
Projects

Completed Projects

Addressing Stigma Among Black MSM in a Mobile Phone and Internet HIV Intervention

    • Our research objective is to analyze experiences of multiple stigmas as described and discussed by YBMSM on an online intervention platform and to assess the pathways through which this mode of online social support could mitigate the impact of multiple stigmas on HIV-related outcomes. YBMSM’s high access to and use of social networking sites on the internet and on mobile phones emphasizes the relevance of using these technologies for interventions. The research is innovative in utilizing a unique opportunity to examine how stigma experiences are shared among YBMSM in an online intervention and assessing whether this mode of social support can ameliorate the negative impacts of multiple stigmas on HIV risk behaviors.

Prepared, Protected, emPowered (P3): A PrEP Adherence App for YMSM

  • Our research objective is to analyze experiences of multiple stigmas as described and discussed by YBMSM on an online intervention platform and to assess the pathways through which this mode of online social support could mitigate the impact of multiple stigmas on HIV-related outcomes. YBMSM’s high access to and use of social networking sites on the internet and on mobile phones emphasizes the relevance of using these technologies for interventions. The research is innovative in utilizing a unique opportunity to examine how stigma experiences are shared among YBMSM in an online intervention and assessing whether this mode of social support can ameliorate the negative impacts of multiple stigmas on HIV risk behaviors.

Test Rehearsal: A Virtual Reality Intervention to Maximize the HIV Testing Experience for YMSM

  • Our project “Test Rehearsal: Maximizing the HIV Testing Experience for YMSM,” will create a secure, internet-delivered software program, available by mobile devise that will offer character-driven realistic scenarios that are engaging, interactive, ecologically sensitive, and user-centric in content and design allowing youth to actively experience the HIV testing process in a non-threatening and non-stigmatizing environment. Test Rehearsal is theoretically grounded within the Information, Motivation and Behavioral (IMB) model and will be a novel and high impact prevention tool to address the lack of uptake of HIV testing among YMSM 14-19 years of age.

Epic Allies: A Smartphone App for ART Uptake and Adherence Among YMSM

  • This study will evaluate the efficacy of Epic Allies, a mobile phone application (app) that utilizes game mechanics and social networking features to improve engagement in care, ART uptake, ART adherence and viral suppression rates among HIV+ YMSM. Epic Allies addresses a serious medication adherence need among a disproportionately affected patient population via familiar technologies using engaging, theory-based components. The app targets the most common medication adherence barriers among youth, addresses specific behavior outcomes, is tailored for the target population and is customizable for individual users.

Tough Talks

Given the potential benefits and challenges associated with disclosure, there is a need for sophisticated interventions that can assist MSM, with the disclosure process. Virtual reality provides a unique environment for users to practice HIV disclosure. Artificial intelligence (AI) driven disclosure may offer advantages over in-person role play through the use of realistic avatars that represent potential romantic partners, and probabilistic settings where users envision having disclosure conversations. Users have the opportunity to practice disclosing and experience a variety of responses and outcomes.

iTech (UNC/Emory Center of Innovation Technology) U19 - Analytic Core (Adolescent Trials Network)

The Analytic Core (AC) will provide expertise and systems for the conduct of qualitative studies, randomized controlled trials (RCT), and economic studies to support the aims of the iTech and its research and pilot studies, interactions within the ATN, and with NICHD. The work is organizsed across three aims that follow the research project lifecycle. Throught the development (Aim 1), execution (Aim 2), analysis, and dissemination (Aim 3) phases of each study activity, the AC will responsibly and strategically manage its resources to foster a collaborative environment, maintain scientific rigor, and ensure timely work completion.

Assessing Mental Health Among MSM in Chongqing, China

This study is conducting an online survey to 1) assess mental health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing, China; 2) determine factors associated with mental health outcomes; and 3) assess use of existing mental health services and preferences for new mental health services.

Sexual and Gender Minorities Pilot Project

The Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minorities seeks to learn about the lives and experiences of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in four countries: Cambodia, India, Kenya, and Brazil. This pilot will help to better examine the effect of international, national and local policies and care practices regarding SGM on: stigma, discrimination, mental health, including symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidality; physical health; and health care seeking practices. The findings from this study will allow the research team to apply for a 5-year longitudinal grant that will test the hypothesized associations and thereby identify areas for potential intervention strengthening.

MINT (mHealth-Assisted Conditional Cash Transfers to Improve Timeliness of Vaccinations)

This completed project evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of an innovative mHealth-supported multi-tiered conditional cash transfer program as a means of overcoming barriers to timely vaccinations in Tanzania.

mHealth for Better Routine Immunization Data in Honduras

Vaccinations are a highly cost-effective public health intervention. They prevent over 2.5 million childhood deaths each year. Partnering with Clinica Esperanza and Offices of the Secretariat of Health Roatan, Bass Connections team members are developing an mHealth intervention to identify and reach under-immunized or unimmunized children.

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (AP3)

This initiative utilizes an evidenced-based, best practice intervention to reduce teen pregnancy, STD and HIV among youth in Craven County, NC. Knowledge and behavior is measured at base line and three months after program is initiated.

Sabbath Living

Sabbath Living is an intervention, designed and conducted by Blessed Earth, to teach and encourage United Methodist clergy in North Carolina to set apart one day a week for spiritual and recreational activities. The Center is evaluating the intervention using mixed methods. We will compare the positive mental health and spiritual well-being outcomes (primary outcomes), as well as depression and anxiety outcomes (secondary outcomes) between two groups of clergy: 1) clergy who attend a Sabbath Living workshop and proceed to engage in Sabbath-keeping, versus 2) clergy who attend a Sabbath Living workshop and do not go on to engage in Sabbath-keeping. We will also examine the potential explanatory pathway of social support.

Caregiver Flourishing

This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural study seeks to understand pathways for sustaining flourishing mental health among caregivers of orphans living in four countries (India, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cambodia) and of four religious traditions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism). This qualitative and quantitative study includes interviews, surveys, and diaries. The findings aim to advance theoretical concepts of stress, coping, and well-being; to inform the measurement of virtue; and to provide practical guidance on how caregivers in challenging contexts can flourish.

Hep ART: Integrated Treatment of Persons with Co-Occuring HCV & Alcohol Use

Alcohol use among patients with hepatitis C can speed progression to liver failure and liver cancer. The Center has partnered with the Duke, UNC, and Durham VA Liver Clinics to conduct and test, using a randomized controlled trial, the impact of an integrated model of alcohol treatment. The integrated model includes brief alcohol counseling from the patient's hepatologist; co-locating addictions therapists in the liver clinic; and individual and group therapy that emphasizes the interplay between alcohol and liver health. The integrated model is compared against brief alcohol counseling from the patient's hepatologist and referral to outside alcohol treatment. The Center will conduct a cost effectiveness analysis of the integrated treatment, as well.

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Proyecto Luz 2.0

This study is examining the influence of U.S. immigration-related laws and policies, and U.S. Hispanic immigrants' beliefs and concerns about immigration laws on their willingness and actual utilization of healthcare and resources related alcohol and drug use disorders, intimate partner violence, and HIV testing.

Global Health Needs Among Refugee Children in Durham County

This Bass Connections project serves as the pilot for an ambitious multidisciplinary effort to develop a culturally appropriate, robust healthcare model that can help reduce health disparities among some of Durham’s newest, most vulnerable community members.

Strength Through Youth Livin’ Empowered 2.0 (STYLE 2.0)

STYLE 2.0 (Strength Through Youth Livin’ Empowered) includes young (18-35 years old) Black cisgender men who have sex with men (YBMSM) living with HIV in the Triangle region (Durham, Orange, and Wake counties) of North Carolina and the Columbia, South Carolina area. Programming includes health care navigation (HCN), support groups, motivational interviewing, and the STYLE 2.0 app (by HMP) that includes information and resources, fosters social support, and includes game-based motivational elements.

National Evaluation of Quality of Child Care in El Salvador

Purpose: The National Evaluation of Quality of Child Care in El Salvador project worked with Whole Child International (WCI), and examined whether changes in 1) institutional structure and environments, 2) caregiver and parental/guardian knowledge, attitudes, and child rearing practices, and 3) caregiver and parental/guardian health and emotional well-being made an impact on child outcomes in El Salvador.

Monitoring & Evaluation Assessment of Child Care Institutions Across India

Purpose: This funding supported the adaptation of the WCI-QCUALS to an Indian-specific residential care context for children and young adults ages 6-18. In collaboration with NITI Aayog (National Institute of Transforming India), Whole Child International, and Hope Institute, the assessment tool is to be tested in residential care centers around different states of India for the purpose of hypothesis building for future research studies and interventions.

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