Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spatial Epidemiology Lab has sought to understand the social and spatial facets of SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19. This work has included amending existing research and designing new studies to encompass questions about the risks and consequences of COVID-19.
Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men
From April to July 2020, the N2 Cohort was expanded to include specific questions relative to COVID-19. In total, 226 participants completed survey items regarding the effects of COVID-19 in several prominent areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, intimate partner violence, sexual behaviors, sleep health, mental health, and more. Participant attitudes towards and experiences of COVID-19 were also assessed. Work is currently underway to analyze these data, with findings forthcoming in late 2020 and early 2021.
Transgender women of color
In July 2020, the existing TURNNT study was relaunched as ‘TURNNT @ Home’. The redesigned study allowed participants to provide data in entirely virtual ways, enabling a safe research experience for the trans women of color involved in this cohort. TURNNT @ Home seeks to understand many aspects of how the COVID-19 pandemic among this population, including the ways in which it has affected access to gender affirmation. Data collection is currently underway.