Improving access to HIV services for people who inject drugs in rural areas using telemedicine and social networks
Official title: Implementation of telemedicine and social network driven HIV service uptake for comprehensive HIV service integration in rural syringe service programs
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11093501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier for people who inject drugs in rural areas to get the HIV care they need by using telemedicine and support from their friends, helping to overcome challenges like stigma and lack of information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,155,553 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058387-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and live in rural areas with limited access to HIV services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or those living in urban areas with adequate access to HIV services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to HIV-related services for people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural areas by implementing telemedicine and leveraging social networks. It addresses barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness that prevent PWID from seeking care. The project will adapt successful telehealth models previously used for hepatitis C treatment and medication for opioid use disorder to include HIV prevention and treatment services. By utilizing peer-based interventions, the research seeks to empower individuals and improve service uptake among marginalized populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of PWID accessing HIV prevention and treatment services, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using telemedicine and peer-based interventions to improve health outcomes among marginalized populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Falade-Nwulia, Oluwaseun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Falade-Nwulia, Oluwaseun
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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.