Improving HIV prevention services for racially diverse women who use drugs

LOTUS: An mHealth Intervention to Improve HIV Prevention Service Engagement and Intersectional Stigma among Racially Diverse Women Who Use Drugs

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10889958

This study is creating a helpful mobile app to support women of different backgrounds who use drugs, making it easier for them to access HIV prevention services and get the care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889958 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a mobile health (mHealth) intervention aimed at enhancing engagement with HIV prevention services among racially diverse women who use drugs. The project will utilize intersectionality theory to address the unique challenges faced by these women, including stigma and substance use. The intervention will be designed and tested through randomized controlled trials to ensure its effectiveness and feasibility in real-world settings. Participants will receive support and resources tailored to their specific needs, promoting better health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are racially diverse women who use drugs and are at risk for HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as women or do not use drugs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to and engagement with HIV prevention services for vulnerable women, ultimately reducing HIV disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using mobile health interventions to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.