Exploring how social networks influence HIV testing in infants
Understanding individual- and social network-level factors affecting infant HIV testing to design social network interventions to increase testing of HIV-exposed infants
This study looks at how the support and connections women have with their family and friends can help or hinder getting their babies tested for HIV, aiming to find ways to make testing easier and more supportive for moms in Uganda.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10874737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that affect whether infants exposed to HIV are tested for the virus, particularly focusing on the role of women's social networks. By understanding the relationships women have with family, friends, and community members, the study aims to identify barriers such as stigma and lack of support that prevent timely testing. The approach involves analyzing social network data from a longitudinal study in Uganda to design interventions that can encourage more women to test their infants for HIV. The ultimate goal is to improve health behaviors related to infant HIV testing through community engagement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mothers or caregivers of infants exposed to HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan African contexts.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the care of HIV-exposed infants or those outside the targeted geographic regions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased rates of HIV testing in infants, improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that engaging social networks can effectively improve health behaviors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Comfort, Alison B — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Comfort, Alison B
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.