Helping women learn about HIV prevention options
Official title: Encouraging Multiple PrEP Options for Women Engaged in PRimary Care (EMPOWER)
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10988685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping women, especially those at higher risk for HIV, learn more about a preventive medication called PrEP during their regular doctor visits, so they can make informed choices about their health and feel comfortable discussing it with their healthcare providers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $360,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH137721-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women, especially those from communities disproportionately affected by HIV, such as women of color.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or those who are already well-informed about PrEP may not receive additional benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to empower women, particularly those at higher risk for HIV, by providing them with information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) during their primary care visits. The study will adapt a technology-enabled health literacy strategy to ensure women can make informed decisions about their health. By integrating discussions about PrEP into routine primary care, the research seeks to normalize these conversations and address the barriers that prevent women from accessing this preventive option. The approach includes identifying women who may benefit from PrEP using electronic health records and enhancing provider training to facilitate these discussions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase awareness and use of PrEP among women, leading to reduced rates of HIV infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar approaches to increasing awareness and access to PrEP among women, indicating that this strategy has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pack, Allison — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pack, Allison
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving PrEP use in primary care for HIV prevention
A project tests different ways to increase new PrEP prescriptions in primary care clinics to help prevent HIV among people who could benefit.
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Improving HIV prevention for adolescents through better pediatric care
This study is all about helping doctors who care for kids and young adults learn how to better talk about and prescribe a medicine called PrEP, which can help prevent HIV, so that more young people can stay healthy and safe.
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Helping women learn about PrEP during primary care visits
A tech-based program in primary care will help women at higher risk for HIV, especially those with low health literacy, understand and choose PrEP for prevention.
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Improving PrEP Access for HIV Prevention in Primary Care
This project aims to find the best ways for primary care doctors to offer HIV prevention medication (PrEP) to more patients, especially those who currently receive it less often.
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HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
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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.
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.