How alcohol use affects HIV prevention medication adherence and gut health.
Official title: Alcohol Misuse, Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and PrEP Care Continuum: Application and Efficacy of SBIRT Intervention
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10912467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might affect how well PrEP works for preventing HIV and how it can cause side effects that make it harder for people to stick to their medication, and it’s for individuals at risk for HIV who want to understand the best ways to manage their alcohol use while taking PrEP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $674,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030485-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-negative individuals who are at risk for HIV and currently using or considering PrEP while also consuming alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not at risk for HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between alcohol consumption and the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV. It aims to understand how alcohol use may worsen side effects of PrEP, particularly gastrointestinal issues, and how these effects can impact adherence to the medication. The study will explore decision-making processes regarding alcohol and PrEP use among individuals at risk for HIV, and it will evaluate the effectiveness of a specific intervention (SBIRT) designed to reduce hazardous alcohol use and improve PrEP adherence. Participants will be followed over time to assess changes in their alcohol use, gut health, and adherence to PrEP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining PrEP adherence among individuals who consume alcohol, ultimately enhancing HIV prevention efforts.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically addressing the interaction between alcohol use and PrEP adherence, similar interventions have shown promise in improving substance use outcomes in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barve, Shirish S — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Barve, Shirish S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Alcohol, Gut Health, and PrEP: How a brief intervention might help HIV prevention care
A program to help people using PrEP reduce risky drinking and improve gut health so they can stay on PrEP.
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Helping people on PrEP reduce alcohol harms and protect gut health
This project offers a brief alcohol help program (SBIRT) to people taking PrEP to reduce heavy drinking, protect gut bacteria, and help them keep using their HIV prevention medication.
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GODDESS: Online support for young Black women to reduce alcohol use and boost PrEP in NC
A virtual group program helps young African American women at risk for HIV reduce alcohol use, address sexual risk, and increase PrEP use in North Carolina.
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Virtual peer-support app to help young Black women reduce alcohol-related sexual risk and increase PrEP use in North Carolina
This project uses a mobile app with virtual group sessions to help young Black women in North Carolina cut back on alcohol-related risky sex and increase use of HIV prevention (PrEP).
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Using a virtual group app to support young African American women in reducing alcohol misuse and improving HIV prevention.
This study is inviting young African American women in North Carolina to join a friendly online group where they can talk about drinking habits and staying safe from HIV, while also getting support and tips from peers to help them make healthier choices.
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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.