Improving HIV prevention for women who inject drugs through a trauma intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Drexel University
  Philadelphia, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Roth, Alexis Marie — Drexel University
• Study coordinator: Roth, Alexis Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Improving PrEP and mental health/substance-use reach for Hispanic men through community-driven implementation

  A team at the University of Miami is collaborating with HIV organizations to describe and share real-world methods that help more Hispanic men access PrEP and mental health or substance-use care, with plans to spread successful approaches to other regions.

  NIH research University of Miami Coral Gables · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11403951

• Bringing PrEP and mental health/substance-use services to Hispanic men through community partnerships

  This project works with local HIV organizations to spread practical ways to improve access to PrEP and mental health/substance-use care for Hispanic men.

  NIH research University of Miami Coral Gables · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11389178

• Peer-driven behavioral support to boost long-acting PrEP/ART adherence for people at risk of HIV

  A team at the University of Maryland Baltimore is testing a peer-delivered program to help people who use drugs stay adherent to long-acting PrEP/ART to reduce HIV risk and improve viral suppression.

  NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11378199

• Trauma-focused writing plus rewards to help women who inject drugs stick with PrEP

  A trial tests whether adding a trauma-focused expressive writing session to a rewards-based program helps women who inject drugs use PrEP more consistently and reduce HIV risk.

  NIH research Drexel University · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11324505

• Using peer support to help people with substance use improve HIV prevention and treatment with long-acting injections

  This project explores how peer support can help people who use drugs better manage their HIV prevention or treatment with long-acting injectable medications.

  NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11158975

• Understanding barriers to HIV prevention for Black men who have sex with men

  This study is looking into why Black men who have sex with men in the southeastern U.S. aren't using a medication called PrEP to help prevent HIV, focusing on issues like stigma and substance use, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access and stick with PrEP, especially after the challenges brought

  NIH research University of Connecticut Storrs · Storrs-Mansfield, United States · NIH-11059173

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.