Improving PrEP Uptake for Latino MSM in Puerto Rico
Official title: Optimizing PrEP uptake among Latino MSM in Puerto Rico: A comparative effectiveness study
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11383479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A U.S. NIH grant tests the best way to increase PrEP use among Latino men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico to help prevent HIV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 1997 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $132,787 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007600-40 |
| Project ID | NIH-11383479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Latino men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico who are at risk for HIV and could benefit from PrEP.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for HIV or not considering PrEP uptake at this time may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on delivering and comparing different methods to boost PrEP use among Latino MSM in Puerto Rico. Researchers will use a comparative effectiveness approach guided by established frameworks to tailor delivery strategies, including online tools, to the local context after the COVID-19 era. Participants would be part of real-world implementation efforts that examine how different approaches affect PrEP uptake and HIV prevention outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to more effective ways to get PrEP to those who need it, reducing new HIV infections in Puerto Rico.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that targeted, community-informed delivery can improve PrEP uptake, though optimal methods are still being explored in Puerto Rico.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malave-Rivera, Souhail M — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Malave-Rivera, Souhail M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
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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.
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Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
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TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.
-
CARES: A practical program to help adolescent girls and young women use PrEP in Africa
A program called CARES helps young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe use different PrEP options better, with counseling, reminders, and options for support.
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.