Reducing stigma and risk of HIV among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan
Official title: Reducing HIV-related Intersectional Stigma and Risk among People who Inject Drugs in a High Risk International Setting
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10908658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people in Kyrgyzstan who use drugs and are at risk for HIV by finding out how stigma affects their ability to access important health services, so we can create better ways to support them in getting the care they need.
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $184,103 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA059327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and are living in or near Kyrgyzstan, particularly those who may face stigma related to their drug use or HIV status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not inject drugs or are not affected by HIV-related stigma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the stigma that prevents people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kyrgyzstan from accessing HIV prevention services. By understanding the barriers created by stigma related to HIV and drug use, the study aims to develop effective strategies to encourage PWID to engage with services like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and syringe service programs. The research will utilize the ADAPT-ITT model to tailor stigma reduction interventions specifically for this population, with the goal of improving their health outcomes and reducing HIV transmission rates. Participants may be involved in discussions and activities aimed at identifying and overcoming these barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased access to HIV prevention services for people who inject drugs, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: While stigma reduction strategies have been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting PWID in the EECA region is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
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.