Examining how harm reduction care affects stigma and health outcomes for people living with HIV who use drugs

Impact of harm reduction care in HIV clinical settings on stigma and health outcomes for PLWH who use drugs

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10879136

This study is looking at how different ways of providing support can help people living with HIV who also use drugs feel more comfortable and cared for by their healthcare providers, with the goal of improving their health and keeping them engaged in treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10879136 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of harm reduction care on individuals living with HIV (PLWH) who also use drugs. It focuses on understanding how both structural and relational approaches to harm reduction can help reduce stigma in healthcare settings and improve patient-provider relationships. The study will involve surveys and interviews with healthcare providers to assess their attitudes and practices regarding care for PLWH who use drugs. By exploring these dynamics, the research aims to enhance retention in care and overall health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also engage in drug use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or do not use drugs may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare experiences and outcomes for people living with HIV who use drugs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that harm reduction approaches can effectively engage marginalized populations in care, suggesting potential success for this study.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.