Helping male couples reduce drug use and HIV risk
Official title: Couples Motivational Interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
Funded at Hunter College · NIH-10925365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help male couples, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, work together to reduce drug use and lower the risk of HIV, focusing on couples under 35 years old.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hunter College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $693,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059272-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925365 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are male couples, particularly those who identify as sexual minorities and are at risk for drug use and HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in a relationship or do not identify as male couples may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new approach to motivational interviewing specifically designed for male couples, particularly those who are sexual minorities. It aims to address the high rates of drug use and HIV transmission among these couples, especially those under 35 years old. The intervention involves multiple sessions where both partners are engaged as a unit, promoting shared goals and strategies to reduce drug use and associated HIV risks. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this couples-based approach compared to traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower drug use and HIV transmission rates among male couples, improving their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While motivational interviewing has been successful in individual and group settings, this couples-focused approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Hunter College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starks, Tyrel J — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Starks, Tyrel J
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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.