Spark Study is a partnership between the University of Connecticut
and Perception Programs Inc. This partnership expands education and resources available to those who face challenges while seeking healthcare. The mission of Spark Study is to find ways to reduce disparities linked to the population interested in taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV.
and Perception Programs Inc. This partnership expands education and resources available to those who face challenges while seeking healthcare. The mission of Spark Study is to find ways to reduce disparities linked to the population interested in taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV.
HIV Epidemiology and Our Research Focus:
In 2019, Black/African American gay and bisexual men accounted for 26% (9,421) of the 36,801 new HIV diagnoses and 37% of new diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men. Blacks/African Americans represent 13% of the US population, but 40% of people with HIV. The HIV epidemic has disproportionately impacted race and sexual orientation diverse populations. Moreover, many Black/African American gay and bisexual men living with HIV, particularly young gay and bisexual men, are unaware that they are living with HIV. Low awareness of HIV status may reflect several factors including recent HIV transmission, underestimation of personal risk, fewer opportunities to get tested, and unequal access to health care. Individuals who do not know they have HIV do not get medical care and can unknowingly transmit HIV to others. Further, only 8% of Black/African American individuals who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been prescribed PrEP, compared to 23% of people who could benefit from PrEP overall. It is also known that substance use is related to poorer HIV related health outcomes such as accessing treatment and preventative care. Given the epidemiology of HIV transmission, our research primarily focuses on developing and testing programs that reach individuals most impacted by the HIV epidemic.
In 2019, Black/African American gay and bisexual men accounted for 26% (9,421) of the 36,801 new HIV diagnoses and 37% of new diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men. Blacks/African Americans represent 13% of the US population, but 40% of people with HIV. The HIV epidemic has disproportionately impacted race and sexual orientation diverse populations. Moreover, many Black/African American gay and bisexual men living with HIV, particularly young gay and bisexual men, are unaware that they are living with HIV. Low awareness of HIV status may reflect several factors including recent HIV transmission, underestimation of personal risk, fewer opportunities to get tested, and unequal access to health care. Individuals who do not know they have HIV do not get medical care and can unknowingly transmit HIV to others. Further, only 8% of Black/African American individuals who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been prescribed PrEP, compared to 23% of people who could benefit from PrEP overall. It is also known that substance use is related to poorer HIV related health outcomes such as accessing treatment and preventative care. Given the epidemiology of HIV transmission, our research primarily focuses on developing and testing programs that reach individuals most impacted by the HIV epidemic.
The Team
Meet who's on the other side of the screen:
Ayeisha Cole,
|
Samara Johnson, MSWStudy Health Counselor
Samara recently joined the SHARE project and looks forward to supporting participants with their health goals. She has prior experience in social justice work. Samara is looking forward to talking with you! |
Mariela Ortiz,
|
Lisa Eaton, PhDPrincipal Investigator
Lisa has worked the entirety of her career in health disparities research by developing programs to address gaps in health care access. She is eternally grateful for the participants who have given their time to help improve health interventions. |
