San Diego State University
This pilot trial will leverage "PrEP Well," an ongoing multi-level implementation strategy for providing PrEP in transgender/gender diverse (TGD)-serving contexts by integrating peer-led PrEP navigation with programming that addresses other social and structural needs of the TGD community (e.g., housing, legal, employment, gender-affirmation, primary care). PrEP Well has been implemented at the Trans Wellness Center (TWC) in LA since 2021. TWC is a first-of-its-kind community-led, trans-affirming, TGD community center made up of 5 community-based TGD service organizations that serve the local racially and ethnically diverse TGD community. Together with our community and implementation partners this NIMH-funded R34 will adapt evidence-based Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) into a trans-affirming, culturally appropriate trauma treatment for TGD persons affected by HIV and violence (Trans STAIR); evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Trans STAIR intervention (Phase 1 beta test; Aim 1); and conduct a Type 1: Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation pilot randomized controlled trail (Phase 2 pilot RCT; Aims 2 and 3) of PrEP Well + Trans STAIR vs. PrEP Well alone to provide preliminary support for a fully powered larger multisite R01 to test the efficacy of PrEP Well + Trans STAIR.
In Phase 1, together with community and implementation partners, the investigators will adapt evidence-based STAIR into a trans-affirming, culturally appropriate trauma treatment for TGD persons affected by HIV and violence (Trans STAIR), making suggested changes and reaching consensus at each step among the team. The investigators will then evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the Trans STAIR intervention by running a preliminary test of Trans STAIR with 20 PrEP Well participants with demonstrated suboptimal PrEP adherence. The investigators will then conduct and an…
Inclusion Criteria: * identify as transgender or nonbinary (non-cisgender) * be age 18 or older * confirmed HIV-negative status * eligible for PrEP based on CDC guidelines * indication of clinically significant PTSD or depressive symptoms * ability to speak and read in English and/or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * under 18 years old * cognitively impaired to the extent that it limits ability to consent * currently in a relationship or home where violence is occurring
Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) is a transdiagnostic evidenced-based mental health treatment for individuals who have experienced multiple traumas. STAIR is based in cognitive-behavioral principles and delivered in a flexible manner over 8 group sessions, with demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of PTSD and other mental health symptoms. This trial will adapt and pilot test the STAIR intervention to be culturally appropriate and acceptable for TGD persons, adding content related to TGD health and wellness, coping with minority stress, responding to stigma and microaggressions, social support, and community connectedness, self-compassion, celebrating trans joy, trans advocacy, sexual health and PrEP use.
This pilot trial will leverage "PrEP Well," a multi-level implementation strategy for providing PrEP in TGD-serving contexts by integrating peer-led PrEP navigation with programming that addresses other social and structural needs of the TGD community (e.g., housing, legal, employment, gender-affirmation, primary care)