# Exploring Stigma, Social Support, and Cancer Screenings among Sexual and Gender Diverse People Living with HIV in Georgia

> **NIH NIH R01** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $87,833

## Abstract

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...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11012081
- **Project number:** 3R01NR020154-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jessica Wells
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $87,833
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-07-29 → 2025-03-12

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11012081

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11012081, Exploring Stigma, Social Support, and Cancer Screenings among Sexual and Gender Diverse People Living with HIV in Georgia (3R01NR020154-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11012081. Licensed CC0.

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