Understanding why fewer women, especially Black and Hispanic, use HIV prevention methods
Official title: Gaps and Determinants in PrEP Uptake and Need: Understanding Disparities in PrEP Among Women in the United States
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10896940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why fewer women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are using a medication called PrEP that helps prevent HIV, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access and understand this important option for their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MD018957-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women, especially Black and Hispanic women, who are at risk for HIV and may benefit from PrEP.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or who do not identify as women may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the low uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among women in the United States, particularly focusing on Black and Hispanic women who are disproportionately affected by HIV. The study will analyze the characteristics of women's partnerships that indicate a need for PrEP, including factors that may not be recognized by the women or their healthcare providers. Additionally, it will improve the understanding of racial and ethnic disparities in PrEP usage by completing incomplete data on race/ethnicity in existing datasets and examining patterns of PrEP uptake across different regions. By addressing these gaps, the research aims to enhance awareness and accessibility of PrEP for women at risk of HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to HIV prevention methods for women, particularly those from marginalized communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing disparities in healthcare access, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, Brady W — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Bennett, Brady W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
-
Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use
A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.
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Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use
A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.
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Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
-
TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda
Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.
-
CARES: A practical program to help adolescent girls and young women use PrEP in Africa
A program called CARES helps young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe use different PrEP options better, with counseling, reminders, and options for support.
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.