Creating a community theater program to reduce stigma around PrEP use for young women
Official title: Designing an Ethnodrama Intervention Addressing PrEP Stigma Toward Young Women
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11064029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help young women in Siaya County, Kenya, feel more comfortable using PrEP by creating community theater performances that challenge negative views and promote support for PrEP use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01TW012673-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those living in Siaya County, Kenya, who are at risk of HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not young cisgender women or those who do not reside in the targeted geographic area may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and test a community-level intervention using ethnodrama to address stigma surrounding the use of PrEP among young cisgender women in Siaya County, Kenya. By collaborating with local theater groups, the project will create performances that challenge negative beliefs and promote supportive attitudes towards PrEP use. The intervention will be pre-tested with young women who are currently using or have used PrEP, as well as their peers and partners, to ensure it resonates with the community. The goal is to foster an environment that encourages PrEP use and reduces stigma, ultimately improving health outcomes for young women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the acceptance and use of PrEP among young women, leading to lower rates of HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively reduce stigma and improve health behaviors, suggesting a promising approach with this ethnodrama intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corneli, Amy Lynn — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Corneli, Amy Lynn
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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.