Improving HIV prevention adherence for men with substance use issues
Smart Steps: A context-aware adherence intervention to improve PrEP adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use disorder
This study is looking at how to help men who have sex with men and also deal with substance use issues stick to their PrEP medication, using a smart pill system that tracks when they take their meds and what challenges they face, so we can create personalized support to help them stay healthy and lower their risk of HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10468388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) who also struggle with substance use disorder. It utilizes a digital pill system that tracks medication ingestion and provides insights into the circumstances surrounding adherence challenges. By understanding these contexts, personalized behavioral interventions can be developed to support individuals in maintaining their PrEP regimen. The goal is to reduce the risk of HIV infection in this high-risk population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men who have sex with men and have a diagnosed substance use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a substance use disorder or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve adherence to PrEP, thereby reducing the incidence of HIV among at-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using digital health interventions to improve medication adherence, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chai, Peter R — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chai, Peter R
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.