Using social media to improve awareness of HIV prevention methods
Official title: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) information on social media
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-10752716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social media can help young adults learn more about PrEP, a medication that can prevent HIV, by creating fun and easy-to-understand messages that tackle common concerns about using it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,128 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108052-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10752716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for HIV and are active users of social media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not active on social media or who are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media can be utilized to enhance awareness and understanding of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among young adults. The project aims to analyze existing PrEP-related communications on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and develop clear, engaging messages that address barriers to PrEP usage. By leveraging the reach of social media, the research seeks to create effective educational content that resonates with young people, ultimately promoting better health outcomes. The study will involve a multidisciplinary team working collaboratively to ensure the messages are scientifically accurate and relevant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase awareness and usage of PrEP, leading to reduced rates of HIV transmission among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can effectively disseminate health information and improve awareness of health interventions, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh-Buhi, Eric Richard — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Walsh-Buhi, Eric Richard
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.
-
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.