STAR 2.0 Study Aims
Aim 1: Expand the STAR cohort as a platform for high priority, collaborative HIV/sexual health science for reproductive age women. Using its existing structure and track record of engaging a large and diverse population, we will longitudinally continue and expand the cohort, leveraging its assessments, specimen collections, data management, and leadership structure.
Aim 2: Leverage resources through the Scientific Administrative Core (SAC), Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC), and Community Engagement and Implementation Core (CEIC) to promote rigorous, community-informed science. We will establish procedures to support (a) the overall management, communication, coordination, and scientific direction of STAR; (b) rigorous data collection and analytic support; and (c) unified community engagement. STAR will be coordinated by the SAC to support an executive committee, scientific leadership group, and advisory groups, will integrate with its cores/projects, and will provide mentorship to ESIs.
Aim 3: Test a unifying research hypothesis that HIV and reproductive transitions have intersecting effects on vascular comorbidities and sexual health via interlinked projects. Using the cohort’s longitudinal data/specimens across reproductive transitions, we will investigate vascular endothelial function, coronary artery calcium scores, and hypertension to address cardiovascular health; health behaviors, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and inflammation to address sexual health. The projects will utilize data and samples collected as part of STAR. If additional assessments involving human subjects are proposed in any STAR-linked sub-study, an amendment or a new study will be submitted to the IRB.