Grant: Catalyst Grant: HIV/AIDS CBR Program - General Stream

Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men and non-binary people (GBT2Q) make up half of people living with HIV in Canada and half of those newly diagnosed with HIV. GBT2Q are also more impacted by other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) such as syphilis. These disparities are due to social inequities. However, the data from public health is insufficient to inform or evaluate community-based and public health work to address HIV/STBBIs. Several community-based research projects across Canada collect data to address this gap. However, there is no community-led synthesis effort to combine these findings and maximize their utility. Our overall objective is to develop GBT2Q community-led recommendations on the feasibility, needs, and approach to quantitative data synthesis across GBT2Q research studies of HIV/AIDS and STBBIs. Our team and work are informed by the community-based research principles of the Community-Based Research Centre. We will engaged with diverse GBT2Q community leaders and public health stakeholders from across Canada to reach a group consensus strategy for data synthesis priorities. We will ensure meaningful engagement with Indigenous Two-Spirit, Black, other People of Colour, Trans, and Disability GBT2Q community leaders. We will review relevant academic and non-academic literature, public health reporting tools, and relevant study surveys. We will prepare plain language and technical outputs summarizing GBT2Q studies, and prepare an operating grant proposal to support the synthesis activities and related knowledge translation. We will also build capacity in data synthesis methods amongst GBT2Q community-based and academic researchers through workshops and mentorship. Our team brings together prominent GBT2Q community leaders, community-based quantitative researchers, and public health officials to collectively advance Canada's STBBI Action Plan.