Using telehealth and motivational interviewing to improve STI screening for men living with HIV
Official title: Feasibility and Acceptability of an MI-based Telehealth Intervention for Bacterial STI Screening
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10783819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV get tested for STIs more regularly by using video calls and easy home testing kits, making it easier and more supportive for them to take care of their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168606-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10783819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV who are engaged in HIV medical care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not sexually active or do not identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a telehealth intervention that combines motivational interviewing with home specimen self-collection for bacterial STI screening among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV. The approach aims to enhance engagement in regular STI screening by providing support through live audio/video conferencing. By focusing on the unique needs of this population, the study seeks to improve timely diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which are critical for preventing serious health complications and further HIV transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to STI screening and better health outcomes for men living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies using home specimen self-collection and telehealth for other populations, this specific approach for men living with HIV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Akshay — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Akshay
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.