Creating a mobile app to help women in the carceral system access HIV prevention and substance use treatment.
Official title: Development and pilot testing of a mobile health application to improve HIV prevention and substance use treatment service access among women involved in the carceral system
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11075302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful mobile app to make it easier for women in the criminal justice system to access HIV prevention and treatment for substance use, while also listening to their thoughts on these services to improve their healthcare experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA057891-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are currently or have been involved in the carceral system and are at risk for HIV and substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the carceral system or who do not face barriers to accessing HIV prevention and substance use treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a mobile health application aimed at improving access to HIV prevention and substance use treatment services for women involved in the carceral system. The project will explore the perceptions of these women regarding Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), identifying barriers to their use. By integrating patient navigation with technology, the study aims to enhance healthcare engagement and facilitate linkage to necessary treatments. The research will be conducted in Philadelphia, utilizing a multidisciplinary team with expertise in HIV prevention and behavioral health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to HIV prevention and substance use treatment for at-risk women, potentially reducing infection rates and overdose incidents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that technology-based interventions can effectively improve healthcare access and treatment adherence among marginalized populations, suggesting a promising approach in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bass, Sarah B — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Bass, Sarah B
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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.