Reducing stigma and shame to improve HIV care for men who have sex with men and have substance use disorders
Official title: Mitigating the Impact of Stigma and Shame as a Barrier to Viral Suppression Among MSM Living with HIV and Substance Use Disorders
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11076960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is for men who have sex with men and are living with HIV while also dealing with substance use issues; it aims to help them feel more comfortable getting the care they need by using a supportive program called MATTER, which focuses on improving their health and reducing the spread of HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $737,302 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA057298-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men who have sex with men and are living with HIV, particularly those who also have substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as men who have sex with men or who do not have HIV or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV and facing substance use disorders. It aims to address the stigma and shame that often prevent these individuals from engaging in effective HIV care, which can lead to unsuppressed viral loads. The study will implement a psychobehavioral intervention called MATTER, designed to help participants overcome these barriers and improve their health outcomes. By utilizing behavioral science principles, the research seeks to enhance adherence to treatment and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved viral suppression rates among MSM living with HIV and substance use disorders, ultimately reducing HIV transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing stigma and improving health outcomes in similar populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batchelder, Abigail Winston — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Batchelder, Abigail Winston
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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.