Understanding barriers to HIV prevention for Black men who have sex with men
Official title: Stigma and Substance Use as Barriers to PrEP Linkage, Uptake, Adherence, and Persistence among BMSM
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11059173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 15, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $485,489 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA053168-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eaton, Lisa a — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Eaton, Lisa a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving PrEP and mental health/substance-use reach for Hispanic men through community-driven implementation
A team at the University of Miami is collaborating with HIV organizations to describe and share real-world methods that help more Hispanic men access PrEP and mental health or substance-use care, with plans to spread successful approaches to other regions.
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Bringing PrEP and mental health/substance-use services to Hispanic men through community partnerships
This project works with local HIV organizations to spread practical ways to improve access to PrEP and mental health/substance-use care for Hispanic men.
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Peer-driven behavioral support to boost long-acting PrEP/ART adherence for people at risk of HIV
A team at the University of Maryland Baltimore is testing a peer-delivered program to help people who use drugs stay adherent to long-acting PrEP/ART to reduce HIV risk and improve viral suppression.
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Trauma-focused writing plus rewards to help women who inject drugs stick with PrEP
A trial tests whether adding a trauma-focused expressive writing session to a rewards-based program helps women who inject drugs use PrEP more consistently and reduce HIV risk.
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Using peer support to help people with substance use improve HIV prevention and treatment with long-acting injections
This project explores how peer support can help people who use drugs better manage their HIV prevention or treatment with long-acting injectable medications.
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Improving HIV prevention for women who inject drugs through a trauma intervention.
This study is exploring a new way to help women who inject drugs and are at risk for HIV, especially those in sex work, by using writing activities and support to encourage them to stick with their HIV prevention medication, PrEP, while also addressing their past traumas and challenges.
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.