Using Digital Tools to Connect People with HIV to Care
Big Data Digital Outreach and Epidemiology Methods for HIV Care among Communities of Color
This project explores new digital ways to help people living with HIV, especially those in Black/African American and Latinx communities, connect with the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring a new approach, similar to how technology companies engage consumers, to reach individuals living with HIV. This method uses de-identified, large-scale digital information, including community and mobility data, to find and connect with people who might be hard to reach through traditional methods. Our goal is to improve how we identify and enroll individuals into HIV care and research, building on successful applications of these methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. This could make it easier for more people to access vital health services.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future engagement through this method would be individuals living with HIV/AIDS, especially those from Black/African American and Latinx communities who may not currently be engaged in care.
Not a fit: Patients already consistently engaged in HIV care may not directly benefit from this outreach method, as it focuses on those with low rates of care engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the number of people living with HIV, particularly in underserved communities, who receive consistent and effective care.
How similar studies have performed: Similar digital outreach methods have shown success in targeted recruitment and engagement for COVID-19 high-risk individuals and are replacing other digital outreach methods due to privacy and effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Sean — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Young, Sean
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.