Using peer support and self-testing to help young women in Kenya start HIV prevention
Official title: Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10946023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young women in Kenya, ages 16-24, start using HIV prevention medication called PrEP by encouraging them to talk to their friends about it and offering easy ways to test for HIV, all in a friendly and supportive setting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $118,552 |
| NIH project number | 3R00MH121166-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10946023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women aged 16-24 living in Kenya who are at risk of HIV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV or those outside the age range of 16-24 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young women in Kenya by utilizing peer referrals and HIV self-testing. The study will explore how peer influence can encourage young women aged 16-24 to initiate PrEP, a crucial intervention for preventing HIV. By integrating self-testing for HIV, the project seeks to address barriers such as stigma and lack of knowledge, making it easier for young women to access prevention methods. Participants will be engaged in a supportive environment that promotes informed decision-making about their health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of young women in Kenya who start using PrEP, thereby reducing their risk of HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer referral strategies can effectively increase health intervention uptake among young populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortblad, Katrina Frances — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Ortblad, Katrina Frances
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.