DeAnne Turner

Research

Turner Team

The Turner Team seeks to understand and eradicate health inequities related to HIV care and prevention.

We value community-engaged and inclusive approaches to research. Most recently, the team has conducted implementation science research to investigate PrEP implementation in the southern United States and Kenya.

Join Our Team
If you would like to join our team, send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests as well as a CV/resume to Dr. Turner at dturner@usf.edu.

DeAnne Turner, PhD, MPH – Assistant Professor

Dr. Turner earned her PhD in Public Health at USF, her MPH at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and BS in psychology at the University of Florida. Additionally, she completed an NIMH T32 postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University in the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS. She seeks to identify inequities in access to care and prevention, ultimately working towards reducing health inequities in populations disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. Prior to academia she served in the United States Peace Corps (Kenya, 2009-2011), worked at the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, and worked at the Florida Department of Health.

Rachel Kingsley, MA – Graduate Research Associate

Rachel Kingsley is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Anthropology with a concentration in Medical and Clinical Anthropology. Rachel received her BA in Anthropology at Georgia State University and her MA in Applied Anthropology at Oregon State University. Rachel’s dissertation research focuses on how mental health disorders and HIV intersect to create barriers to engaging in continuous HIV treatment in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to her role as a graduate research assistant in the College of Nursing, Rachel is an Instructor of Record in the Department of Anthropology and a faculty member of USF’s Academic and Cultural Engagement Program (ACE).

Karah Greene, MSW – Graduate Research Assistant

Karah graduated from USF with her MSW in December 2021. She is passionate about addressing social justice issues and promoting health equity. Her research interests include 1) improving access to quality healthcare among underserved populations, 2) improving quality of life for people living with HIV, and 3) interventions to address and alleviate negative health outcomes stemming from sexual violence. She is an incoming USF Social Work PhD student. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, cooking and baking, and volunteering in her community.

Pravin Meshram – Graduate Research Assistant

Pravin is a dedicated public health professional with a background in medical research, teaching, and community healthcare. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health with a specialization in Genomics at the University of South Florida, College of Public Health, he holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from India. During his medical residency, he researched on National AIDS Control Program implementation for female sex workers. Pravin’s research, teaching, and clinical work experiences and interests are infectious diseases, immunization, and cancers, particularly among people living in underserved settings.

Michael Sanchez, DNP

Michael is a PhD student at the USF College of Nursing. With several years of clinical experience as a family nurse practitioner, he has expertise in primary care, HIV prevention and management, and working with adolescents and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. His research focuses on HIV prevention, sexual health, and behavioral interventions to help sexual minority men access HIV prevention services. Dr. Sanchez is also an associate professor at Florida International University and a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Pilot to Support: Multilevel, Multiphase Optimization Strategy for PrEP: Patients and Providers in Primary Care
The specific aims of this pilot study are: Aim 1: Develop and pilot test a computer-based simulation training for providers; Aim 2: Determine the effectiveness of the computer-based training in a pilot study; & Aim 3: Identify the feasibility and acceptability of the computer-based simulation training for PrEP among healthcare providers.
Role: Co-investigator/Site PI
PI: Lockhart, Henry Ford Health
Source of Support: Henry Ford Health Pilot Funding
Start/End Dates: 2023

A mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of culture on preferences, attitudes, and acceptability of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men-of-color (GBMSM-OC) to take alternative (non-daily or non-oral) forms of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
While we know much about the acceptability of daily oral PrEP among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) broadly, there is a need to examine the role of culture and identity on preferences, attitudes, and acceptability of alternative forms of PrEP. These findings can help inform cultural- and community-based organizations to better frame their messaging specific to each version of PrEP by tailoring the approach to identified cultural norms. To fill this gap, this study aims to: 1) Understand various preferences, attitudes, and acceptability of GBMSM of color to take alternative forms (i.e., non-oral or non-daily) of HIV PrEP. 2) Explore the impact of cultural identities on the preferences, attitudes, and acceptability of GBMSM of color to take alternative forms (i.e., non-oral or non-daily) of PrEP.
Role: MPI
PI: Turner & Lee, University of South Florida
Source of Support: University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Interdisciplinary Research Grant
Start/End Dates: 2023 - 2024

Using Coincidence Analysis to Investigate Factors Affecting PrEP Initiation and Continuation in Southern Ending the Epidemic Counties
Building on the federal and local EHE plans for HIV prevention, we plan to investigate the ways PrEP programs in Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) counties are operating and which combination(s) of implementation strategies (e.g., health navigator(s), simplified billing procedures, peer programs, information for clients, etc.) and contextual factors (e.g. organizational culture, relative priority, etc.) produces the greatest uptake and continued use of PrEP. Understanding which combination(s) of factors yield optimal PrEP programming will help save costs, time, and lives. Through this research, we will: Aim 1. Identify the implementation strategies and contextual factors affecting PrEP implementation within clinical and community-based organizations in southern EHE counties. Aim 2. Determine the combination(s) of implementation strategies and contextual factors that produce the most effective delivery of PrEP to populations at greatest risk of HIV acquisition.
Role: Supplement PI
PI: Turner (Supplement), Kershaw (CIRA)
Source of Support: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)  FY2022 Ending the HIV Epidemic CFAR/ARC Supplement Flow Through: Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale University
Start/End Dates: 2022 - 2024

Disease Intervention Specialist Training Academy (DISTA)
This project calls for: 1) creation, implementation, evaluation and on-going maintenance of a foundational public health curriculum consisting of courses which equip students to perform entry-level public health work; 2) creation, implementation, evaluation and on-going maintenance of supplementary courses to support the various potential functions of DIS and associated staff; 3) creation of a sustainability plan to be able to offer trainings to Florida Department of Health (FDOH) at discounted rates; 4) assessment of students’ learning skills and styles to allow for flexible learning formats and platforms; 5) design of an educational ladder and certification system that correlates to a public health career ladder; 6) development of a tracking system for students who attend DISTA courses; 7) participation in meetings and other activities as requested by FDOH to improve retention and performance of DIS.
Role: Co-investigator
PI: Somboonwit, University of South Florida
Source of Support: Florida Department of Health
Start/End Dates: 2022 - 2023

HPTN 096: Getting to Zero: A Community-Randomized Trial Testing Effects of a Multi-Level Integrated Intervention Strategy to Reduce HIV Incidence among Black MSM in the American South  HPTN 096 is a community-randomized study evaluating an integrated approach to reducing HIV incidence by increasing HIV testing, uptake and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and viral suppression rates among Black gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Southern United States of America (USA).
Role: Protocol Team Member (Co-Investigator); Peer Support co-lead
PIs: Nelson, Remien, Beyrer
Source of Support: HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)
Start/End Dates: 2020-2025
Evaluating the transition to telehealth services: Exploring the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ clients engaged in community care
The goal of this study was to evaluate the experiences of clients at a CT based CBO following the transition to telehealth services due to COVID-19. First, we explored the barriers and facilitators to implementing telehealth services, as experienced by staff at the CBO. Second, we investigated acceptability, appropriateness, and accessibility of telehealth programs experienced by clients at the CBO. Third, we explored the needs, experiences, and barriers to engagement in telehealth care among CBO clients. The evaluation was structured using the RE-AIM framework to assess the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of telehealth services at the CBO.
Role: MPI
PI: Turner & Layland
Source of Support: Fund for Lesbian and Gay Studies (FLAGS) Research Award, Yale University
Start/End Dates: 2021 - 2022

Using Web-based Peer Support to Increase HIV Testing Among Men who have Sex with Men in Kenya
This study adapted an existing peer support intervention, HIVE3, to be delivered over WhatsApp and in the Kenyan context. This was investigated through the following specific aims: Aim 1: Identify key modifications to the HIVE3 intervention manual and implementation protocol. The HIVE3 intervention manual and implementation protocol was modified using the ADAPT-ITT model. Aim 2: Determine the implementation feasibility of the adapted intervention. To determine feasibility, we conducted a single arm pilot test of the intervention with 22 MSM in Kenya. Data analysis is ongoing.
Role: PI
PI: Turner, University of South Florida
Source of Support: Pilot Projects in HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Program Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) National Institute of Mental Health Grant No. P30MH062294)
Start/End Dates: 2021 - 2022
2023
- Drs. Ji-Young Lee and DeAnne Turner awarded the USF Interdisciplinary Research Grant
2022
- Graduate Research Assistants Karah Greene, Pravin Meshram, and Rachel Kingsley join the team
2021
- Dr. DeAnne Turner joined the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida
For a full list, please refer to my CV.

Turner, D., Lockhart, E., Wang, W., Shore, R., Daley, E., & Marhefka, S. (2021) Examining the factors affecting PrEP implementation within community-based HIV testing sites in Florida: a mixed methods study applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. AIDS and Behavior. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-03152-1

Turner, D., Lockhart, E., Wang, W., Shore, R., Daley, E. M., & Marhefka, S. L. (2020). PrEP implementation behaviors of community-based HIV testing staff: a mixed-methods approach using latent class analysis. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 83(5), 467-474. doi: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002289
DeAnne Turner, PhD, MPH
dturner@usf.edu
(813) 974-0844