Improving HIV prevention and substance use support for homeless youth
Official title: Assessing the use of MY-RIDE, a just-in-time adaptive intervention, to Improve HIV prevention and Substance Use in Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10932983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful mobile program called MY-RIDE that aims to support young people experiencing homelessness in staying safe from HIV and reducing substance use, by sending them personalized messages and feedback based on their needs, all while being easy to access even if they don’t have stable housing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $714,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020997-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 18-25 who are currently experiencing homelessness and are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing homelessness or are outside the age range of 18-25 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a mobile health intervention called MY-RIDE, designed to help youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) improve their HIV prevention strategies and reduce substance use. By utilizing real-time assessments, MY-RIDE delivers personalized messages and behavioral feedback to address the unique challenges faced by these young individuals. The intervention incorporates motivational interviewing and shared decision-making techniques, providing support through nurse-led sessions that are accessible even in unstable housing situations. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of MY-RIDE through a randomized trial involving 320 participants aged 18-25 over a period of 12 months.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance HIV prevention efforts and reduce substance use among homeless youth, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar mobile health interventions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santa Maria, Diane M. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Santa Maria, Diane M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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MY-RIDE: a real-time mobile program to reduce HIV risk and substance use among youth experiencing homelessness
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MY-RIDE: A mobile health program for HIV prevention and substance use in youth experiencing homelessness
This program offers a mobile health app called MY-RIDE to help young people experiencing homelessness reduce substance use and prevent HIV.
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This study is helping young people in India who use drugs and are at risk for HIV by making it easier for them to get treatment and support from their peers at local health centers.
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.