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