Improving access to HIV prevention for rural people who inject drugs
Official title: Optimizing PrEP Care Delivery through Adaptive Intervention Strategies for Underserved Rural People who Inject Drugs
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11037395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to help people who inject drugs in rural areas get and stay on PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV, by offering personalized support and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $667,270 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA061996-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or those who are already engaged in effective HIV prevention strategies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) care to underserved rural populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID). It aims to address barriers to PrEP uptake through adaptive intervention strategies, building on previous successful pilot interventions in Kentucky's Appalachian region. The study will implement and evaluate new approaches to increase the number of PWID who initiate and continue PrEP, thereby reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Participants will receive support through case management and tailored interventions designed to meet their specific needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase PrEP uptake among rural PWID, leading to a reduction in new HIV infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot interventions in this region have shown promising results in improving PrEP care delivery for PWID, indicating a potential for success with these new strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surratt, Hilary L — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Surratt, Hilary L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.