ICHR Funded Research

Supporting the development of community and other health researchers is a primary goal of the ICHR. As such, we have awarded a number of modest grants over the previous academic year, including:

PROJECTS RECEIVING FUNDING IN 2026

A Mixed Methods Study of Emerging Adult Men & their Experiences of Loneliness and Drug Misuse

This study explores whether loneliness and social isolation function as maintaining mechanisms sustaining solitary substance use, or vice versa. It seeks to illuminate, using a mixed method approach, how emerging adult men make meaning of their substance use in isolation.

Comparative Case Study of Teachers’ Enactment of Gender Inclusive Pedagogies

This comparative study across three Early Childhood Centers aims to (a) characterize the gender-affirming practices of early childhood teachers, and (b) identify material and social factors that facilitate teachers’ commitment to gender inclusion amidst adverse, anti-trans contexts.

Minority Stress, Platform Work, and Health Among Queer and Trans Ride-Hailing Drivers

This study explores how ride-hailing work affects queer and trans drivers’ health, focusing on minority stress from discrimination, harassment, concealment, and platform systems. Using interviews and forum analysis, it identifies harms, coping strategies, and needed reforms.

Anal Pap Smears for HPV-Related Anal Dysplasia: Perceptions and Attitudes in HIV+ Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

This study will take a quantitative approach using cross-sectional surveys to better understand the attitudes and perceptions of HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM) towards receiving Anal Pap Smears to screen for HPV-related Anal Dysplasia/Cancer.

Decomposing disparities in breast and cervical cancer by sexual orientation; exploring the role of unmet social needs.

The goal of this work is to further unpack disparities in breast cancer screening and outcomes using the latest data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (BRFFS), which in addition to capturing many measures of screening now assesses social needs across multiple domains. This work will provide valuable information on the role of these social needs in defining these disparities.

PrEP Talk: Enhancing Patient Informed Decision-Making on HIV PrEP Through Educational Video Interventions

The objective of this study is to develop, implement, and evaluate a brief, animated educational video intervention designed to enhance informed decision-making regarding PrEP. The video will provide standardized, accessible education about oral and injectable PrEP options prior to the clinical visit.