Research and Program Initiatives
Research focused on young people has led to major advancements in both healthcare and prevention efforts. At SIU Florida, we build on this progress by exploring how behaviors and mental processes influence the prevention and treatment of HIV, as well as other sexual health topics affecting youth.
Explore our completed and ongoing research projects and initiatives below.
Ongoing Research Projects
The SHARE Program
Innovations in Translational Behavioral Science to Improve Self-Management of HIV and Alcohol Reaching Emerging Adults. The SHARE program is a new NIAAA-funded innovation in translational behavioral science created by Drs. Sylvie Naar and Karen MacDonell to explore and address overlaps of self-management of HIV and alcohol in young people through a Florida-wide initiative. With the help of stakeholders' and youth-led input through connections across Florida, the SHARE program will allow young adults to be heard and studied to better understand the effects of alcohol on young people living with HIV.
The SHARE Program consists of three main projects:
1. Project DEFINE
The main goal of this study is to see how stress is associated with how well younger people (like you!) who have HIV manage their alcohol use and HIV care. The data we collect from this study will help us create plans to improve retention into care and other factors related to stress, like sleep and emotions.
2. Project ENGAGE
The main goal of this study is to test a new wrist biosensor that will track the participant's alcohol level to help self-management of alcohol use among young people (like you!) with HIV.
Study participants will complete a baseline survey that asks about alcohol use, mental health, etc. They will then receive a Skyn wrist biosensor to wear for 30 days and will report their alcohol use daily on a smartphone app. The app is interactive and will send daily reminders to complete the report. Participants will be able to utilize a second app that involves a game of taking care of animals and helping them grow! The more the participant uses their wrist biosensor, the more credits participants will receive to take care of their animals! After the first month of wearing the biosensor, the participant will complete another survey that includes the participant's opinion on the technologies/apps used in this study.
3. Project SUSTAIN
The main goal of this study is to optimize dose and delivery methods of Health Choices - an already existent intervention method - to improve sustainability and overall capabilities.
Together, these three projects will synergistically demonstrate a continuous cycle of development, refinement, testing, implementation, and sustainment for the SHARE program.
Contact our research team via email at SHARE.CEC@med.fsu.edu.
Project EPICC+
EPICC+ "Expanding PrEP in Communities of Color" is an initiative focused on adapting existing evidence-based provider and patient education and support tools and materials (EBT) for use in young men. It also aims to train providers in the use of the EBT to facilitate PrEP shared decision making. We are partnering with other universities, youth advisory boards, organizations, and more in three different regions to reach the most effective outcomes for this initiative.
Project objectives:
- Adapt existing EBT and materials.
- Effectiveness objectives: to test the efficacy of the EBT in increase PrEP adherence, retention in PrEP care, PrEP decision-making.
- Implementation objectives: provider use of a competence with adapted EBT in clinical practice.
Dr. Sylvie Naar will represent Scale It Up Florida and the Center for Translational Behavioral Science at the Florida State University for this project.
Project YACHT
Project YACHT "Young Adult Centered HealthForce Training" focuses on incrasing HIV testing and PrEP referrals among young men using a multi-component implementation strategy that includes:
- Quality management via mystery shoppers
- Tailored motivational interviewing, and
- Evidence-based technical assistance
These strategies have been developed and tested in other states to support developmentally sensitive, societal awareness, evidence-based services for the Diagnose and Prevent pillars of the End the Epidemic (EHE) initiative. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health will engage Florida Department of Health funded HIV testing sites across the seven EHE counties. If successful, this program will increase the number of HIV tests administered among young sexual men and the delivery of developmentally and socially responsible, evidence-based testing and referral programs.
Project BeBOPP
Big Bend Precision Prevention Optimizing HIV Intervention Implementation through identifying roadblocks and leverage points among youth in North Florida. More information coming soon.
Get Connected! Scale It Up Connect
Scale It Up (SIU) Connect is a research registry to stay up to date on Scale It Up activities, learn about statewide events or resources, and be contacted to participate in research studies. You must meet specific criteria to be eligible to enroll. If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible, you must be:
- 15 - 29 years old
- Living in Florida
- Able to read, write, or speak English
- Willing to provide brief details about yourself to receive relevant information
If you meet the criteria above, you may complete a short screening survey to confirm your eligibility.
Complete the SIU Connect Eligibility Screener
Eligible individuals who enroll in the registry receive $5 via CashApp, and there are monthly drawings that provide $20 electronic gift cards to 5 people per month. Please click the link to join or contact us at siu.connect@med.fsu.edu or call/text (850) 354-9379.