Increasing access to HIV testing and prevention through social networks
Official title: Test-to-PrEP: A Randomized Hybrid Implementation/Effectiveness Trial of a Social Network Strategy to Increase Equitable Reach of HIV Testing and PrEP Information
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11007617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people get HIV self-testing kits and information about PrEP by having current PrEP users share these resources with their friends and family, and it’s aimed at reaching communities in Miami-Dade County that are at higher risk for HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $711,692 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138190-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals currently using PrEP who are part of social networks in communities with high HIV incidence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently at risk for HIV or those who do not have access to social networks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to enhance the distribution of HIV self-testing kits and information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) by leveraging the social networks of current PrEP clients. Participants will be involved in a trial where they will either distribute HIV self-tests directly to their friends and family or refer them to resources without direct distribution. The study aims to assess how effective this method is in reaching communities at high risk for HIV, particularly in Miami-Dade County, which has one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. The trial will also evaluate the costs and resources needed for implementation, ensuring diverse representation among participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of individuals tested for HIV and informed about PrEP, leading to better prevention strategies in high-risk communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot projects have shown promise in using social networks to improve HIV prevention efforts, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doblecki-Lewis, Susanne — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Doblecki-Lewis, Susanne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.