Peer-driven behavioral support to boost long-acting PrEP/ART adherence for people at risk of HIV
Official title: Peer Behavioral Activation Utilization to Improve Substance Use and HIV Outcomes in People Receiving Long Acting Injectable-PrEP/ART (PUSH).”
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11378199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team at the University of Maryland Baltimore is testing a peer-delivered program to help people who use drugs stay adherent to long-acting PrEP/ART to reduce HIV risk and improve viral suppression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $598,161 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061324-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who use drugs and are receiving long-acting injectable PrEP/ART
✕Less likely to help
People who are not using LAI PrEP/ART or who do not engage with peer-delivered interventions may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses Peer Activate, a peer-supported behavioral activation and problem-solving program, to help individuals adhere to LAI PrEP/ART. The plan includes training peers to deliver structured activities and problem-solving strategies that support daily adherence and substance-free engagement. The study builds on prior work showing LAI PrEP/ART feasibility in community settings and aims to evaluate feasibility and acceptability in the LAI context. The patient-facing approach seeks to translate behavioral support into real-world adherence improvements and better health outcomes for people with HIV risk or infection who use drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people stay adherent to LAI PrEP/ART, reducing HIV risk and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence shows Peer Activate is feasible and acceptable; this study tests it specifically with LAI PrEP/ART in a real-world setting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Elana Simon — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Elana Simon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving PrEP and mental health/substance-use reach for Hispanic men through community-driven implementation
A team at the University of Miami is collaborating with HIV organizations to describe and share real-world methods that help more Hispanic men access PrEP and mental health or substance-use care, with plans to spread successful approaches to other regions.
-
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This project works with local HIV organizations to spread practical ways to improve access to PrEP and mental health/substance-use care for Hispanic men.
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Trauma-focused writing plus rewards to help women who inject drugs stick with PrEP
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Using peer support to help people with substance use improve HIV prevention and treatment with long-acting injections
This project explores how peer support can help people who use drugs better manage their HIV prevention or treatment with long-acting injectable medications.
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Understanding barriers to HIV prevention for Black men who have sex with men
This study is looking into why Black men who have sex with men in the southeastern U.S. aren't using a medication called PrEP to help prevent HIV, focusing on issues like stigma and substance use, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access and stick with PrEP, especially after the challenges brought
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Improving HIV prevention for women who inject drugs through a trauma intervention.
This study is exploring a new way to help women who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV, especially those in sex work, by using writing activities and support to encourage them to stick with their HIV prevention medication, PrEP, while also addressing their past traumas and challenges.
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.