Nurse-led group program to boost PrEP use for women at risk of HIV
Official title: A Nursing-Informed Group Model for HIV Prevention and PrEP Uptake
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11485334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nurse-developed, three-session group program helps women in midwestern cities start and stay on PrEP to prevent HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $811,740 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD021658-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11485334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult women in the Midwest EHE jurisdictions who are at risk for HIV and eligible for PrEP.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for HIV or not interested in PrEP may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with communities in Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis to translate HIV prevention science into real-life steps for women facing barriers like housing instability and limited access to care. Through a nurse-driven group model, it connects women to HIV prevention services and supports transitions into sustained PrEP use. The plan uses theory-based strategies and local partnerships to tailor interventions to daily life realities and improve PrEP uptake and adherence over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could increase PrEP initiation and ongoing use among women at risk, reducing new HIV infections in the targeted communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous nurse-led and community-engaged interventions have shown promise in improving PrEP uptake, but this specific group model for women in Midwest urban settings is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crooks, Natasha Kaella — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Crooks, Natasha Kaella
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
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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CAB-LA PrEP for breastfeeding women after delivery in Botswana
This study tests a long-acting HIV prevention shot for new mothers who are breastfeeding in Botswana to see if it prevents HIV safely and effectively.
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.