Computer models to find better HIV prevention and care for people who use drugs
Computational modeling to evaluate interventions for HIV and substance use
This project uses computer simulations to identify which prevention and care approaches might best help people who use drugs and face risk for HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144949 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will build on an existing agent-based computer model that creates virtual people with different backgrounds, behaviors, and life situations. They will combine multiple existing data sources about substance use, mental health, housing, incarceration, and HIV prevention and care to make the simulations realistic. The team will run ‘what-if’ experiments to see which combinations of services and supports reduce HIV risk and improve care engagement. Results will be used to prioritize the most promising interventions for future real-world testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who use opioids, methamphetamine, or multiple substances and who face HIV risk factors like unstable housing, recent incarceration, unemployment, or gaps in prevention and care are the focus.
Not a fit: People without substance use or who already have stable engagement in HIV prevention and care are unlikely to see direct benefits from this modeling work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help target programs and resources to the prevention and care strategies most likely to lower HIV risk among people who use substances.
How similar studies have performed: Agent-based and other computer simulation approaches have been used before to inform HIV and public-health strategies and have produced useful insights, though their recommendations typically need testing in real-world programs.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hotton, Anna — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hotton, Anna
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.