Increasing PrEP use among young Black men who have sex with men through their social networks
PrEP US NoW: PrEP Utilization Through Increasing Social Capital Among YBMSM Networks with Women
This study is looking to help young Black men who have sex with men use HIV prevention medication called PrEP more often by tapping into the support of their friends and family, especially Black women, and it will test a new mobile app to see how well this idea works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10663087 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) by leveraging their social connections, particularly with Black women. The project will explore the supportive roles that Black women play in these social networks and how they can facilitate increased PrEP uptake. By developing a mobile health intervention called PrEP US NoW, the research will adapt existing health strategies to better fit the unique dynamics of these social groups. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of this approach to enhance social capital and reduce stigma around PrEP use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young Black men who have sex with men, particularly those who are at risk for HIV.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as young Black men who have sex with men or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase PrEP utilization among young Black men who have sex with men, thereby reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that leveraging social networks can be effective in promoting health behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elopre, Latesha Ellen — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Elopre, Latesha Ellen
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.