Parent program to reduce HIV risk for teen boys who have sex with males
RCT of a parent-focused intervention to reduce HIV risk in adolescent MSM
An online program helps parents talk with their teen sons who have sex with males about sexual health and HIV testing to lower their risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321082 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your teen would join an online parent program called PATHS that teaches parents how to talk about sexuality, safer sex, and HIV testing. Families are randomly assigned to the PATHS program or a comparison group, and both parents and teens complete questionnaires over time about communication, behaviors, and testing. The study team provides information and referrals for HIV testing and prevention resources while tracking whether parent changes lead to safer teen choices. Most participation is done remotely through modules and online follow-up surveys.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Parents and their teenage sons (roughly ages 13–19) who are gay, bisexual, or otherwise have sex with males and are willing to participate in an online program together.
Not a fit: This program is unlikely to help adults, cisgender girls, teens who are not attracted to or sexually active with males, or families unwilling to participate online.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help parents support their sons to practice safer sex and get tested for HIV more often.
How similar studies have performed: A small pilot randomized trial with 61 parent-teen pairs found PATHS improved parent behaviors, but parent-focused HIV prevention for AMSM remains a new area of research.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huebner, David M — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Huebner, David 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.