MY-RIDE: a real-time mobile program to reduce HIV risk and substance use among youth experiencing homelessness
Official title: Assessing the use of MY-RIDE, a just-in-time adaptive intervention, to Improve HIV prevention and Substance Use in Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11377389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mobile program delivers personalized messages and coaching to youth aged 18-25 who are homeless, aiming to reduce drug use and increase HIV prevention like PrEP and condom use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $702,305 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020997-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Young people aged 18-25 who are currently experiencing homelessness and have risk factors for HIV and substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Those not using mobile technology or outside the 18-25 age range may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Youth who are 18-25 and experiencing homelessness will use a mobile health app that delivers timely messages and feedback based on real-time assessments. The program combines Motivational Interviewing and Shared Decision Making with nurse-led on-demand sessions to address HIV risk, substance use, mental health, and housing stress. Participants will be randomized to receive the MY-RIDE intervention or an attention-control condition, with follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months to measure changes in substance use and HIV prevention behaviors. The study builds on pilot data showing reductions in drug use and sexual urges, and it tests whether the intervention can increase condom use, PrEP uptake, and other prevention strategies in a high-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce HIV risk and substance use among homeless youth by providing real-time support and tailored prevention messages.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pilot data suggest that real-time digital interventions can reduce risk behaviors in similar populations, supporting further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santa Maria, Diane M. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Santa Maria, Diane M.
Related research
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MY-RIDE: A mobile health program for HIV prevention and substance use in youth experiencing homelessness
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Improving HIV prevention and substance use support for homeless youth
This study is testing a helpful mobile program called MY-RIDE that aims to support young people experiencing homelessness in staying safe from HIV and reducing substance use, by sending them personalized messages and feedback based on their needs, all while being easy to access even if they don’t have stable housing.
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A peer-led program to help young drug users in India with HIV prevention and treatment.
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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.