PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Disparities continue to persist across sexual orientation, gender identity, and region for people living with HIV (PLWH). Some of the highest rates of HIV are among sexual and gender diverse (SGD; i.e., do not exclusively identify as heterosexual or cisgender) people, a high-risk group for developing anal cancer, in the U.S. South. In efforts to increase anal cancer screening among SGD PLWH in Georgia, the proposed NINR Diversity Supplement uses an explanatory sequential study design (1) to examine the association between perceived HIV-related stigma and self-reported completion of anal cancer screening (via the 12-item HIV Stigma Scale), and then (2) to explore the phenomenon between HIV-related stigma, perceived social support, and cancer prevention behaviors (e.g., anal cancer screening) among SGD PLWH in Georgia. For the quantitative study (Aim 1), we will start with a bivariate descriptive statistical analysis of the overall individual-level characteristics (e.g., demographics, behavioral, and clinical-related factors) of SGD PLWH. Then, as appropriate, we will conduct two-tailed chi-square tests, T-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and multivariable logistic regression modeling to evaluate the association between HIV stigma and anal cancer screening, with the inclusion of covariates found to be significant in bivariate comparisons. We expect to have a sample size of 150 participants for Aim 1. We will report 2-sided p-values, adjusted odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with an indication of the significance level at α < .05. For the qualitative study (Aim 2), we will conduct descriptive statistics (i.e., frequencies, percentages, means, medians) to characterize the socio- demographic characteristics of focus group participants. We expect to conduct 3 focus groups of 5-10 people each for Aim 2. The objectives for Mr. Fuller’s pre-doctoral research training are to: (1) gain research experiences needed to negotiate university resources, (2) develop knowledge and skills to develop and maintain patient tracking systems, (3) gain experience in monitoring and managing ongoing threats to the integrity of a multi-site research project; (4) develop knowledge and skills to develop data entry systems, data coding protocols, and data cleaning; and (5) gain continued experience in statistical analysis and interpretation of data. If awarded this supplement in the summer (June 2024), Mr. Fuller seeks to: (1) present the findings at a national conference, (2) publish a first-authored peer-reviewed manuscript, (3) use findings as pilot data to submit for a competitive pre-doctoral training fellowship (F99/K00), and (4) write an editorial, commentary, or other non-peer-reviewed editorial piece to reach the lay community. Successful completion of the study’s aims will also provide the supplement candidate with structured research/training and career development opportunities to develop as an emerging independent investi...