Improving PrEP Care for Rural People Who Inject Drugs
Optimizing PrEP Care Delivery through Adaptive Intervention Strategies for Underserved Rural People who Inject Drugs
This project aims to help people who inject drugs in rural areas get and stay on PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196752 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In rural Kentucky, many people who inject drugs face a high risk for HIV. While PrEP is a powerful medication to prevent HIV, it can be challenging for individuals to access and consistently take it. This project builds on earlier work that successfully connected people to PrEP care through local syringe service programs. Now, we want to find the best ways to offer extra support so more people can start and continue using PrEP to protect their health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who inject drugs living in rural areas, particularly within Kentucky's Appalachian region, who are interested in HIV prevention.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for HIV through injection drug use or who do not reside in the targeted rural Appalachian communities may not directly benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could significantly reduce new HIV infections among people who inject drugs in rural communities.
How similar studies have performed: A previous pilot project showed promising results in connecting people to PrEP care, but also highlighted the need for more support to ensure continued use.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surratt, Hilary L — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Surratt, Hilary L
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.