Using mobile health to prevent HIV among men who have sex with men
Training in MHealth Prevention with MSM
This study is looking to help men who have sex with men in Malaysia, especially those who use amphetamines, by creating friendly mobile health tools that offer easy and private access to HIV prevention resources and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10854958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the rising HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia, particularly those who use amphetamines. It aims to develop mobile health (mHealth) strategies that provide anonymous access to HIV prevention resources and guidance, overcoming barriers posed by stigma and discrimination. The project includes formative studies to understand MSM's preferences for HIV prevention programs and to create tailored mHealth interventions that promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men who have sex with men, particularly those who use amphetamines and are at risk for HIV.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as men who have sex with men or those who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV transmission rates among MSM in Malaysia by providing accessible and stigma-free prevention resources.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mobile health interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in marginalized populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrestha, Roman — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Shrestha, Roman
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.