Understanding HIV risk and prevention among homeless youth and their social networks
Official title: HIV risk and prevention behavior and the role of social support networks among precariously housed youth: A mixed-methods study
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10873728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how living in unstable housing, like staying on friends' couches, impacts the risk of HIV and prevention habits among young people who are homeless, and it explores how their relationships with friends and family can help or hurt their health choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH134694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 18 to 25 who are experiencing precarious housing situations and are at risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are stably housed and not at risk for HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how precarious housing situations, such as couch-surfing, affect HIV risk and prevention behaviors among youth experiencing homelessness. It focuses on the role of social support networks, examining how relationships with peers and family influence risky behaviors and HIV prevention strategies. By using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to better understand the unique challenges faced by these youth. The findings aim to inform targeted interventions that can improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved HIV prevention strategies tailored for homeless youth, ultimately reducing their risk of contracting the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social networks significantly influence health behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for HIV prevention among homeless youth.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petry, Laura — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Petry, Laura
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.