Using men's social networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake
Harnessing male peer networks to enhance engagement with HIV prevention: A largescale cluster randomized trial to increase HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake
This project helps men in eastern Zimbabwe get HIV self-test kits and phone-based support from male peers to increase starting HIV prevention medicine (PrEP).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stellenbosch University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA) |
| Project ID | NIH-11400627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, the team will work through groups of men in local communities and train peer leaders to distribute HIV self-test kits and offer phone support. Half the communities will get this peer-distribution plus phone help while the other half continue usual services, and about 3,591 men will be followed for six months. The researchers will use existing Manicaland surveillance data and local clinics that now provide PrEP to link testing to clinic referrals. They will compare how many men start PrEP in the peer-supported communities versus the usual-care communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men living in the study communities in eastern Zimbabwe who are sexually active and not currently on PrEP or known to be HIV-positive are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who already have HIV, are already taking PrEP, or live outside the study area are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more men may learn their HIV status quickly and be more likely to start PrEP, lowering their risk of HIV and reducing new infections in partners.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in sub-Saharan Africa has shown peer distribution of HIV self-tests is feasible and increases testing, but evidence that this reliably leads to higher PrEP uptake is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA
- Stellenbosch University — Stellenbosch, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanser, Frank Courteney — Stellenbosch University
- Study coordinator: Tanser, Frank Courteney
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.