Understanding barriers to HIV prevention for Black men who have sex with men
Stigma and Substance Use as Barriers to PrEP Linkage, Uptake, Adherence, and Persistence among BMSM
This study is looking into why Black men who have sex with men in the southeastern U.S. aren't using a medication called PrEP to help prevent HIV, focusing on issues like stigma and substance use, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access and stick with PrEP, especially after the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons why Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the southeastern United States are not effectively using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. The study focuses on the impact of stigma and substance use as barriers to accessing and adhering to PrEP. Researchers will gather data through surveys and interviews to understand the experiences and challenges faced by BMSM, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on healthcare access. The goal is to identify strategies to improve PrEP uptake and persistence among this high-risk population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black men who have sex with men, particularly those who may be at risk for HIV and have experienced barriers to accessing PrEP.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black men who have sex with men or those who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to and adherence to PrEP for BMSM, significantly reducing HIV transmission rates in this community.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing barriers to healthcare access can improve health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eaton, Lisa a — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Eaton, Lisa a
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.