Improving HIV prevention services for men in rural South Africa
Official title: Engaging men outside the HIV prevention paradigm in rural South Africa
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11085039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to help men in rural South Africa, especially those who use alcohol and drugs, get the HIV prevention services they need by understanding the challenges they face and creating a community program just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,035 |
| NIH project number | 1K23MH136873-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men living in rural South Africa who are at risk for HIV, particularly those with alcohol and substance use issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in rural South Africa or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the uptake of HIV prevention services among men in rural South Africa, particularly those who engage in alcohol and substance use. It aims to understand the barriers these men face in accessing healthcare, which may include societal norms and perceptions about healthcare facilities. The project will design and evaluate a community-based intervention tailored to the specific needs and preferences of these men, ensuring that the services are more accessible and relevant. The principal investigator will also develop skills in qualitative data collection and intervention design to effectively engage this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to HIV prevention services for men at high risk, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in community-based interventions targeting specific demographics, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castle, Alison Clare — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Castle, Alison Clare
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Making HIV prevention and care easier for Ugandan youth
A Ugandan study is testing ways to help adolescents and young adults (15–24) prevent HIV and stay healthy, using long-acting PrEP and youth-friendly services.
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Innovative HIV Prevention and Care Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
A Ugandan research team is testing practical, youth-focused strategies to help 15-24 year-olds using HIV prevention or treatment services stay healthy and engaged in care.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
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Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
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Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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.