Improving HIV prevention for rural people who inject drugs
Official title: Adapting a Network-Oriented HIV Prevention Intervention for Rural People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11076834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how social connections and access to clean needles and treatment for opioid use disorder can influence the risk of HIV among people who inject drugs in rural areas, with the goal of creating better support and solutions for their specific needs.
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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $716,758 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059335-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are rural individuals who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or those living in urban areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social networks and various factors like access to sterile injection equipment and medications for opioid use disorder affect HIV risk behaviors among rural people who inject drugs (PWID). By examining the interactions between these factors and their impact on HIV transmission, the study aims to develop tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by PWID in rural areas. The approach includes analyzing the social dynamics within PWID communities to understand how these relationships influence health behaviors and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective HIV prevention strategies specifically designed for rural PWID, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous urban studies have shown success with network-oriented interventions that effectively change high-risk behaviors, suggesting potential for similar outcomes in rural settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Sean T — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Sean T
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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.