Research Projects
HIV and STI Care Continuums
The continuum of care (e.g., prevention, screening and linkage to care) for HIV and
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are unreliable in rural areas of the United
States (U.S.). Geographic isolation and poverty may increase need for basic human
services and further confound screening and care. Since engagements with the care
continuum are positively correlated with prognosis and negatively correlated with
disease transmission, there remains a critical public health need to address vulnerable
populations in rural, underserved areas through the development of the care continuum.
Those living in rural areas of the U.S. are less likely to engage in routine HIV and STI testing, identify HIV and STI testing resources, or receive comprehensive HIV and STI education.
LGBT Health
There is the continued need to develop and evaluate models designed to address the
health disparities sexual and gender minority groups experience as a result of multiple
socio-cultural factors. LGBT populations have been found to have higher prevalence
of life-threatening physical and mental health conditions, experience barriers to
care, and other unique social and structural inequities. Our team has focused on the
development and delivery of more comprehensive and integrated health promotion programs
that are responsive to the unique needs of these populations. Within our focus on
LGBT population health, we have examined the role of place as a necessary metric to
evaluate sexual health. There remains a research gap with rural sexual minority communities,
specifically outside of the Deep South. As such, we have focused on social structures,
built environments, cultural expectations, and how place of residency may influence
sexual health and engagement in care.
Consent Messaging
Sexual violence is a salient public health issue among college students. College men
and women report being victims of sexual assault and rape at significantly higher
rates compared to their non-student peers, five and three times higher, respectively.
Sexual consent is vital in determining whether sexual activity is categorized as assault.
In comparison to sexual assault and rape literature, research about consent is largely
lacking. As such, we seek to explore and examine the nuances of sexual consent communication,
knowledge, perceptions, and influential factors. These findings can be utilized to
develop evidenced-based campus programming to alleviate sexual violence among college
students and provide resources and support to survivors.