Liliane Windsor, PhD

Liliane Windsor, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the School of Social Work. Her research is focused on the application of critical consciousness theory to the development of multi-level interventions designed to reduce health inequalities related to substance use disorders, HIV prevention, and criminal justice in marginalized communities. Dr. Windsor follows community based participatory research (CBPR) principles and utilizes a variety of scientific methodologies including ethnography, randomized experimental controlled trials, measurement development, meta-analysis, and online surveys.

Tell us briefly about your recent research project
 COVID-19 has impacted the health and social fabric of individuals and families living across the United States; and it has disproportionately affected people living in urban communities with co-morbidities, those working in high-risk settings, refusing or unable to adhere to CDC guidelines, and more. Two cost-effective, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate interventions have been effective in engaging people in HIV prevention and treatment – these can be adapted and tested to help address COVID-19 prevention needs. Specifically, Navigation Services (NS) have shown to increase HIV testing and adherence to treatment while addressing structural barriers that deter treatment engagement in high-risk communities; and Brief Counseling (BC) has shown to increase HIV treatment engagement. This study uses a Sequential, Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) with 1,218 COVID-19 medically/socially vulnerable people. Guided by the COVID-19 Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment, analysis will explore factors associated with testing and adherence to CDC COVID-19 prevention and treatment recommendations. The study aims include: To examine the effectiveness of an adaptive intervention to increase COVID-19 testing and adherence to CDC-recommendations of preventive behaviors – social distancing, hand-washing, inoculation, mask-wearing, vaccination- on comparable but distinct samples. We will control for baseline, time, demographics and COVID risk; (2) To examine the immediate and medium-term impact of the adaptive intervention on COVID testing and adherence to recommendations by collecting follow-up data at 2,5,12 and 24 weeks post baseline. Implementation aim: To collect intervention implementation data (context, cost, barriers, lessons learned) and develop implementation materials (facilitator training, intervention manual, treatment fidelity measure).   

Why did you decide to use BERD services for this project?
I have worked with the BERD team on several projects. The team is responsive, knowledgeable, and their input strengthens the rigor of my research. More importantly, we are able to communicate clearly. This can be a challenge sometimes as different fields use different terminology and had different expectations. The BERD team is able to understand my needs and adapt to meet them.  

In what ways did the BERD team assist you in receiving external funding?
They wrote the analysis plan section of my proposal.

What advice do you have for Illinois faculty and staff who may be interested in BERD services?
Reach out to BERD prior to submitting your proposal. The work is free for PIs who include BERD members as partners in the research. Negotiate the roles and make sure you set sufficient funds aside for proper data cleaning. Develop a data management plan, meet with the team often,  and offer staff training to ensure everyone is on the same page.

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core at the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute offers expert biostatistical consulting and analysis services in support of health-related research. The BERD team helps researchers design studies and enhance data collection, management, and analysis for health-related research projects. Visit the website or contact berd-ihsi@illinois.edu to learn more.