Reducing HIV Stigma and Risk for People Who Inject Drugs
Reducing HIV-related Intersectional Stigma and Risk among People who Inject Drugs in a High Risk International Setting
This project aims to create a program that helps reduce the stigma associated with HIV, drug use, and drug treatment for people who inject drugs, making it easier for them to access important health services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that stigma can make it hard for people who inject drugs to get the HIV prevention and treatment services they need. This project focuses on adapting and improving existing strategies to address this stigma at different levels. By making these services more accessible and welcoming, we hope to improve the health and well-being of individuals and slow the spread of HIV. This work is especially important in regions where the HIV epidemic is growing quickly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of intervention would be people who inject drugs in high-risk international settings, particularly those experiencing stigma related to HIV, drug use, or drug treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience HIV-related stigma or are not in regions with rapidly expanding HIV epidemics among people who inject drugs may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better access to HIV prevention and treatment services, such as PrEP and methadone, for people who inject drugs, ultimately improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team found that stigma was associated with higher HIV risk behavior and low use of services, suggesting that stigma reduction programs could be beneficial, though specific evidence-based strategies for this region are limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Laramie Rae — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Smith, Laramie Rae
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.