Improving PrEP use among Latino men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico
Optimizing PrEP uptake among Latino MSM in Puerto Rico: A comparative effectiveness study
This project tries different ways to help Latino men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico start and stay on PrEP to prevent HIV.
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 ID | NIH-11134563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use a comparative approach to test different ways of delivering behavioral interventions that encourage PrEP uptake and persistence among Latino MSM in Puerto Rico. Work is guided by the PrEP care continuum and implementation science frameworks to identify barriers and tailor delivery strategies, including in-person and online tools after COVID-19. Participants will be recruited from the island and followed to see which delivery methods lead to the most people starting and continuing PrEP. The study combines outreach, motivational support, and measurement of real-world PrEP use and retention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are HIV-negative Latino men who have sex with men, live in Puerto Rico, and are at risk for HIV or eligible for PrEP.
Not a fit: People living with HIV or those not eligible or already fully adherent to PrEP are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase PrEP uptake and reduce new HIV infections in Latino MSM communities in Puerto Rico.
How similar studies have performed: PrEP is proven highly effective and behavioral programs have raised uptake in some settings, but directly comparing delivery methods—especially using online tools for Latino MSM in Puerto Rico—is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- 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
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.