Four investigators from biostatistics in the College of Public Health, in partnership with Science Exchange, received grants to replicate studies from the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation.
“The purpose of these replication studies is to make sure that our scientific community has robust research by re-examining influential studies in various fields,” said Jane Meza, Ph.D., interim associate vice chancellor for global and student support for UNMC and chair of biostatistics.
“These studies focus on HIV/AIDS in Africa. Each of the biostatisticians worked with the authors to discuss the replication plan and obtain the data. Replication work is becoming increasingly significant as the scientific community recognizes its importance in policymaking,” she said.
Each study was awarded $33,887. The projects and investigators are:
The Regai Dzive Shiri Project: results of a randomized trial of an HIV prevention intervention for Zimbabwean youth
Fang Yu, Ph.D., associate professor and director, Center for Research Design and Analysis, and Dr. Meza
The study was a cluster randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of a community-based multi-component HIV prevention intervention among young people. The trial was conducted between 2003 and 2007. The original authors concluded that the behavior intervention has impact on knowledge, attitudes and reported pregnancy. However, there was no impact of this intervention on HIV or HSV-2 prevalence.
Replication of ‘Effect of a Cash Transfer Program for Schooling on Prevalence of HIV and Herpes Simplex Type 2 in Malawi: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Lynette Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor
The two-year study examined the impact of a cash transfer program on the prevalence of HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study also assessed the program’s impact on syphilis prevalence, school enrollment, self-reported marriage, pregnancy and sexual behavior. The study showed that cash transfers to unmarried school girls can help reduce risky sexual activities and the likelihood that young women will be infected with HIV and HSV-2.
HIV development assistance and adult mortality in Africa
Jiangtao Luo, Ph.D., assistant professor
The study assessed the effect of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) on adult mortality. The program aimed to increase prevention and treatment of HIV in 15 countries. The study concluded that adult mortality rates decreased more in PEPFAR-focus countries.