App to help rural men who have sex with men get HIV/STI tests and start PrEP
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile HIV prevention app to increase HIV and STI testing and PrEP initiation among rural men who have sex with men
A phone app called Combine helps rural men who have sex with men get regular HIV and STI tests and connect to PrEP and local providers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would use a smartphone app called Combine that guides you through a private risk check, helps you set up and follow a testing plan, and locates nearby clinics and PrEP options. The project randomly assigns participants to receive the app with different implementation supports and follows people for 24 months to track testing and PrEP starts. The team studies real-world rollout issues in rural Southern communities and may offer the option to order at-home self-test kits through the app. Combine was adapted from an urban app using input from rural men to address stigma and limited access to culturally competent care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Rural men who have sex with men in the Southern United States who own a smartphone and are not consistently testing for HIV/STIs are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a smartphone, those living outside the rural Southern US, or individuals who already test regularly and are on PrEP may not receive additional benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could increase regular HIV and STI testing and help more rural men access PrEP and treatment sooner.
How similar studies have performed: A predecessor app (HealthMindr) showed efficacy increasing HIV testing in urban men, and this trial adapts that approach for rural communities.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jeb — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jeb
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 below.