Helping couples in Uganda choose the best HIV prevention for women
Improving Choice and Use of Biomedical HIV Prevention for Women in Uganda: A Couples-Based Approach
This project offers couples in Uganda a shared decision tool so women can pick and use the HIV prevention option that fits them best—injectable, ring, or daily pills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your partner would be offered the CUPID shared decision-making tool delivered by peer PrEP ambassadors during community and clinic visits as part of the CATALYST program. The paper-based tool explains differences between long-acting injectable cabotegravir, the dapivirine vaginal ring, and oral PrEP, and helps guide joint conversations about preferences and discreet use. The team will track which options are chosen, how consistently they are used over time, and what helps or blocks continued protection. Researchers will also study how this couples-based approach can be delivered in routine clinics and communities across Uganda.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: HIV-negative women in Uganda who are at risk of HIV and are interested in PrEP, along with male partners willing to take part, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV, those not at risk of HIV, or women who do not want partner involvement may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more women choose and stay on an HIV prevention method that fits their life and relationship, reducing their risk of HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials showed multiple PrEP products can prevent HIV but have faced challenges with long-term use, and couples-based decision support is promising though not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
Research Triangle Park, United States
- Research Triangle Institute — Research Triangle Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Minnis, Alexandra M — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Minnis, Alexandra M
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.