Couples-based motivational interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
Official title: Couples Motivational Interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
Funded at Hunter College · NIH-11378180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A couples-centered counseling approach helps two men in a relationship reduce drug use and lower HIV risk together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hunter College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $689,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059272-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are male couples where at least one partner uses drugs and both are willing to engage in multi-session counseling.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not in a romantic same-sex couple or not willing to participate in couples-based sessions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a new couple-focused version of motivational interviewing designed for men in relationships, focusing on shared goals, conflict management, and coordinated behavior change. It targets sexual minority men under 35 who are at higher risk for HIV and who use drugs, aiming to reduce risky behavior through joint sessions with counselors. The intervention builds on a framework that treats the couple as the unit of change and adapts strategies to address readiness and agreement between partners. The study will measure changes in drug use, adherence to risk-reduction plans, and HIV-related behaviors over time. If successful, the approach could be implemented in community settings to support healthier relationship dynamics and safer practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce HIV transmission risk by helping couples adopt safer behaviors together.
How similar studies have gone: Previous individual MI approaches reduced risk behaviors; this couples-focused approach is novel but builds on that evidence base.
Where this research is happening
-
Hunter College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starks, Tyrel J — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Starks, Tyrel J
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Couples-based motivational interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
A couples-focused program helps at-risk male couples reduce drug use and HIV risk together.
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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.