Helping men who have sex with men access HIV prevention after self-testing
Official title: Promoting linkage to PrEP after HIV self-testing through a peer-led intervention for MSM
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11057660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping men who have sex with men get better access to HIV prevention methods, like PrEP, by using support from peers after they do an HIV self-test, making it easier for them to connect with the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,475 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH131468-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men who have sex with men and are at risk for HIV, particularly those who have recently self-tested for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or who do not engage in behaviors that necessitate HIV prevention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving access to HIV prevention methods for men who have sex with men (MSM) by using peer-led interventions following HIV self-testing. It aims to address the gap where only a small percentage of MSM who self-test actually link to preventive care. By leveraging peer support, the project seeks to encourage behavioral changes that lead to increased uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in promoting engagement in care and enhancing the overall HIV prevention continuum.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of MSM who access and utilize HIV prevention services after self-testing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer-led interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in similar populations, suggesting a promising approach in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bien-Gund, Cedric Howshan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bien-Gund, Cedric Howshan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
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Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
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TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.
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CARES: A practical program to help adolescent girls and young women use PrEP in Africa
A program called CARES helps young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe use different PrEP options better, with counseling, reminders, and options for support.
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.