Using peer support and self-testing to help young women in Kenya start HIV prevention
Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women
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 ID | NIH-10946023 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young women aged 16-24 living in Kenya who are at risk of HIV infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of HIV or those outside the age range of 16-24 may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortblad, Katrina Frances — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Ortblad, Katrina Frances
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.