Improving HIV prevention for women who inject drugs through a trauma intervention.
Efficacy of a Trauma Intervention for Affect Regulation, Adherence, and Substance Use to Optimize PrEP for Women Who Inject Drugs
This study is exploring a new way to help women who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV, especially those in sex work, by using writing activities and support to encourage them to stick with their HIV prevention medication, PrEP, while also addressing their past traumas and challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10828747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to enhance HIV prevention among women who inject drugs, particularly those involved in sex work. It combines trauma-informed expressive writing with contingency management to improve adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Participants will engage in a structured program that includes writing sessions and monitored PrEP intake, aiming to address the challenges of trauma and substance use that affect their health choices. The study will involve 360 women at risk for HIV, linking them to care and support services.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV, particularly those who have not used PrEP in the past 30 days.
Not a fit: Patients who do not inject drugs or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection among women who inject drugs by improving their adherence to preventive treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral interventions to improve health outcomes in similar populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roth, Alexis Marie — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Roth, Alexis Marie
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.