Helping women learn about HIV prevention options
Encouraging Multiple PrEP Options for Women Engaged in PRimary Care (EMPOWER)
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 ID | NIH-10988685 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult women, especially those from communities disproportionately affected by HIV, such as women of color.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pack, Allison — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pack, Allison
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.