Improving policies to reduce HIV, hepatitis C, and drug-related harms
Making Better Decisions: Policy Modeling for AIDS and Drug Abuse
This project uses computer models to find which policies and programs best prevent HIV and hepatitis C among people affected by opioid and stimulant use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262799 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your community are affected by opioid or stimulant use and HIV or hepatitis C, this work aims to model how different prevention and treatment programs change infection rates and health outcomes. The team builds computer simulations that combine data on drug use, treatment access, and disease transmission to compare single strategies and combinations of strategies. They will also model how barriers like lack of services or unequal access change outcomes and which enablers boost program success. The results are meant to guide clinicians, public health leaders, and community groups about which approaches are likely to help most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV or hepatitis C who currently use opioids or stimulants, and communities heavily affected by these drug epidemics, are the main focus of the work.
Not a fit: People who are not affected by opioid or stimulant use and who are not at risk for HIV or hepatitis C are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide better programs and policies that reduce HIV and HCV transmission and improve access to substance use services.
How similar studies have performed: Previous simulation models have helped shape HIV and HCV policy, but combining the effects of opioid and stimulant epidemics in one model is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owens, Douglas K — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Owens, Douglas K
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.