Couples support to lower drug use and HIV risk for male couples
Couples Motivational Interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
This project offers a new type of counseling for male couples to help them reduce drug use and lower their risk of HIV.
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 ID | NIH-11131189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are testing a new counseling approach called Couples Health Project (CHP), which uses motivational interviewing to help male couples work together on shared health goals. This program focuses on the couple as a unit, providing strategies to manage disagreements and create joint plans to reduce drug use and prevent HIV. The goal is to see if this multi-session intervention, led by trained counselors, can effectively help couples make positive changes. This approach is especially designed for sexual minority men in relationships, a group that faces a higher risk of HIV infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sexual minority men in relationships, particularly those under age 35, who are looking for support to reduce drug use and lower their HIV risk.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in a male couple relationship or are not interested in addressing drug use or HIV risk may not find this intervention beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this counseling could provide a new, effective way for male couples to reduce drug use and significantly lower their risk of HIV transmission.
How similar studies have performed: While individual and group motivational interviewing has shown success, applying it effectively with couples has been challenging, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Hunter College — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starks, Tyrel J — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Starks, Tyrel J
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.