Behavioral steps to cut HIV risk using timing-based thinking
Official title: Development of a Behavioral Economic Intervention to Reduce HIV Risk Behaviors
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11415923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A young adult-focused program tests a behavioral tool to help 18–34 year olds stick with HIV prevention and reduce risky behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,306 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA060078-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are 18–34 years old, at risk for HIV, and willing to use PrEP and engage with the app-based intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals outside the 18–34 age range or those not at risk for HIV may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project targets adults 18–34 who have high HIV risk and struggle with PrEP adherence, methamphetamine use, and risky sexual behavior. It uses Episodic Future Thinking and related strategies to shift how people value immediate rewards versus future health benefits. The approach includes a user-friendly Android app to support adherence and safer practices, delivered in a real-world setting over several years. Researchers will measure changes in PrEP adherence, meth use, and sexual risk behaviors to see if the intervention helps reduce HIV transmission risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help young adults maintain PrEP, reduce meth use, and lower risky sexual behavior, potentially lowering HIV transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Early demonstrations of EFT and related behavioral approaches have shown promise in improving health behaviors, but this application to HIV prevention is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okafor, Chukwuemeka Nkemakonam — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Okafor, Chukwuemeka Nkemakonam
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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.