Connecting Black MSM with HIV Care: Modeling and Real-World Implementation
Official title: Community-Engage?Modeling?and Implementation Science to Develop Re-Linkage Interventions for Black Men who have Sex with Men with HIV
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11566339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing project using computer models to figure out better ways to link Black men who have sex with men to HIV care and keep them engaged.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $225,784 |
| NIH project number | 4R33MH137778-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11566339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Black men who have sex with men and are at risk for or living with HIV who could benefit from improved linkage and retention in care.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the target group or those not experiencing barriers to care engagement may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on an existing computer model to simulate how different strategies could help Black MSM move from diagnosis to ongoing HIV care. Researchers will combine local data with interviews and focus groups to understand barriers at the person, clinic, and system levels. They will test, in a virtual setting first, which interventions and implementation steps work best, then pilot the most promising approaches in real-world settings. The goal is to identify practical, community-informed ways to improve linkage, retention, and overall care outcomes for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more effective outreach and care strategies that keep Black MSM engaged in HIV treatment, reducing transmission and improving health.
How similar studies have gone: Precedents show that agent-based models can guide public health strategies, with potential for impactful, community-informed interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hotton, Anna — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hotton, Anna
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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.