Safe South Africa: a teen-friendly program to cut HIV risk and interpersonal violence in adolescent boys
Official title: Testing the Efficacy of Safe South Africa: An Intervention to Prevent HIV Risk and Interpersonal Violence Among Adolescent Boys
Funded at American University · NIH-11387599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A youth-focused program tests a tailored, community-based approach to reduce HIV risk and partner violence among 15- to 17-year-old boys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | American University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $464,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129161-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescent boys aged 15–17 who are attending school and are at risk for HIV or IPV.
✕Less likely to help
If a participant does not engage with the program or lacks access to the intervention delivery, benefits may be limited.
What this research studies
This project adapts an integrated HIV and IPV prevention program for adolescent boys, using social norms ideas to fit their school and peer environments. It will be tested in a global-to-U.S. context, aiming to make the content relevant and engaging for teens. The study will enroll 836 boys aged 15–17 and measure whether the intervention lowers STI incidence and reduces IPV perpetration compared with usual care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce HIV risk and partner violence among adolescent boys and improve health and safety in schools and communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed the approach is acceptable and feasible; this study tests efficacy in reducing HIV risk and IPV.
Where this research is happening
-
American University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Caroline Chia — American University
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Caroline Chia
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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.