Smart Health: Reducing Risky Drinking and Boosting STI Screening with Technology
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11166146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A technology-based program aims to help college-aged young people cut down on risky drinking and get better STI screening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,893 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AA032424-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Young adults, especially college students aged 15–24, who engage in risky drinking and have limited STI screening.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for STI exposure or not using digital health tools may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This grant plans to develop a digital approach to reduce risky alcohol use and increase STI screening among young adults in college settings. It will test a technology-enabled intervention designed for 15–24 year-olds to promote safer drinking and encourage routine STI testing. The work includes pilot implementation, user-centered design, and feasibility testing in a university setting. The focus is on reducing risky behaviors that lead to sexually transmitted infections and improving access to screening through digital tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lower rates of risky drinking and STIs by making safe choices and screening more accessible.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital health interventions have shown promise in changing risky behaviors and improving screening, though results vary by setting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starling, Randall — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Starling, Randall
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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.