California MEPS Hub for HIV prevention and reentry support
California Hub for HIV/STI/SUD Prevention Research With Reentry Populations
This project will test a peer-led, app-based program with small cash incentives to help people with substance use recently released from jail or prison get PrEP, HIV/STI testing, and related services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 318 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Oakland, California and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07433985 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study is a Type 3 Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness trial that aims to adapt and scale the Mobile Enhanced Prevention Support (MEPS) intervention across three community partner organizations in Alameda and Riverside counties. MEPS combines trained peer mentors, a smartphone app (GeoPass), and contingency management (small cash incentives) to promote biomedical HIV prevention and preventive screenings among people with substance use disorders who were recently incarcerated. The trial will enroll at least 300 participants, with the first 200 randomized to intervention or control and the final 100 receiving the intervention in a single-arm continuation, alongside implementation-focused data collection from partner staff. The primary emphasis is on implementation outcomes and tailoring MEPS for broader settings, with effectiveness (e.g., PrEP uptake and testing) as a secondary aim.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people assigned male at birth, aged 18–59, released from jail or prison within the past 12 months, with a history of substance use or recent SUD treatment, recent sexual or injection risk, self-reported HIV-negative status, access to or plans to obtain a smartphone, and intent to reside in the study counties for nine months.
Not a fit: People already living with HIV, those without smartphone access or unwilling to remain in the study counties, individuals outside the specified age or gender criteria, or those not meeting the recent incarceration or substance use criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MEPS could increase PrEP uptake, routine HIV/STI/HCV testing, and engagement with prevention and substance use services among people reentering the community after incarceration.
How similar studies have performed: A prior randomized trial in Los Angeles showed MEPS increased PrEP uptake and HIV testing among English-speaking participants, but applying and adapting the package across diverse agencies and populations is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: RCT Participants * Assigned male at birth * Ages 18 - 59 * Was released from incarceration in the previous 12 months (incarceration is defined as a stay in jail, prison, or detention centers for over 24 hours) * Reports an SUD diagnosis or seeking SUD services at any time in the 24 months prior to enrollment * During the 24 months prior to enrollment, either: 1. Reports intercourse with a person assigned male at birth 2. Reports injection drug use * Has not received an HIV diagnosis (based on self-report) * Possesses a smartphone or plans to obtain one * Plans to reside within designated jurisdictions (counties) for the 9 months following enrollment CBO and agency staff participating in implementation surveys or interviews * \>=18 years of age * Employed at a study site or otherwise involved with intervention implementation and/or maintenance OR works at an agency in the counties where the study is taking place (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Alameda counties, California). * Willing to provide informed consent for participation. Exclusion Criteria: RCT Participants: * Does not have a smart phone and is not willing to obtain one * Is not able to speak and understand English * Has insufficient reading skills to operate a mobile application on a cell phone CBO participating in implementation interviews \- n/a
Where this trial is running
Oakland, California and 2 other locations
- Cal-Pep — Oakland, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Kindful Restoration — Riverside, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Starting Over, Inc — Riverside, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Director
- Email: camepshub@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 424-501-4829
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.