Alcohol, Gut Health, and PrEP: How a brief intervention might help HIV prevention care
Official title: Alcohol Misuse, Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and PrEP Care Continuum: Application and Efficacy of SBIRT Intervention
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11396995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program to help people using PrEP reduce risky drinking and improve gut health so they can stay on PrEP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $649,464 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030485-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for HIV who are PrEP users and report alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
People not using PrEP or not drinking alcohol may not experience direct benefits from this intervention.
What this research studies
This project follows people using PrEP to see how alcohol use affects their adherence and gut microbiome, and whether a brief intervention (SBIRT) can help. It uses interviews to understand how people decide about alcohol use and PrEP, then tests whether SBIRT can prevent hazardous drinking and support PrEP persistence over time. The study will collect data on gut microbiome changes, PrEP continuation, and adverse effects to see if the intervention makes a practical difference in real-world care. Results could guide better support for PrEP users who drink alcohol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could help people stay on PrEP longer by reducing alcohol-related problems and supporting gut-health–related adherence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows SBIRT can reduce hazardous drinking in various populations, but its impact on PrEP use and gut health is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barve, Shirish S — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Barve, Shirish S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Helping people on PrEP reduce alcohol harms and protect gut health
This project offers a brief alcohol help program (SBIRT) to people taking PrEP to reduce heavy drinking, protect gut bacteria, and help them keep using their HIV prevention medication.
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How alcohol use affects HIV prevention medication adherence and gut health.
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might affect how well PrEP works for preventing HIV and how it can cause side effects that make it harder for people to stick to their medication, and it’s for individuals at risk for HIV who want to understand the best ways to manage their alcohol use while taking PrEP.
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GODDESS: Online support for young Black women to reduce alcohol use and boost PrEP in NC
A virtual group program helps young African American women at risk for HIV reduce alcohol use, address sexual risk, and increase PrEP use in North Carolina.
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Virtual peer-support app to help young Black women reduce alcohol-related sexual risk and increase PrEP use in North Carolina
This project uses a mobile app with virtual group sessions to help young Black women in North Carolina cut back on alcohol-related risky sex and increase use of HIV prevention (PrEP).
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Using a virtual group app to support young African American women in reducing alcohol misuse and improving HIV prevention.
This study is inviting young African American women in North Carolina to join a friendly online group where they can talk about drinking habits and staying safe from HIV, while also getting support and tips from peers to help them make healthier choices.
-
mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.