Exploring HIV risk in vulnerable youth with digital health intervention

Keeping it LITE: Exploring HIV Risk in Vulnerable Youth With Limited Interaction and Digital Health Intervention

Hektoen Institute for Medical Research · NCT05848570

This study is trying to see how a digital health program can help young sexual and gender minorities reduce their risk of HIV and understand the factors that affect their prevention choices.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment6000 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 34 Years
SexAll
SponsorHektoen Institute for Medical Research (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05848570 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the epidemiology and trajectories of HIV acquisition among adolescent and young adult sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in the United States. It will engage a diverse cohort of 6,000 sexually active SGM individuals aged 13-34 through a digital health platform, monitoring their HIV risk and prevention behaviors. The study will also explore socioecological factors influencing the use of new HIV prevention technologies and test novel digital health interventions. The approach combines longitudinal data collection with innovative digital health strategies to address rising HIV infection rates in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include self-identified SGM adolescents aged 13-17 and young adults aged 18-34 who have engaged in sexual activity and are at risk for HIV.

Not a fit: Patients under age 13 or over age 34 will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide scalable and culturally appropriate HIV prevention interventions for at-risk youth.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar digital health interventions targeting HIV prevention in at-risk populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* For young adults ages 18-34: self-identified SGM young adults ages 18-34 who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  * 1\) condomless anal or vaginal intercourse (CAI) with a cisgender man in the last 6 months OR
  * 2\) sex with cisgender men and bacterial STI in the last 6 months OR
  * 3\) anal or vaginal sex with a known HIV-infected partner in the last 6 months.
* For adolescents 13-17: self-identified SGM adolescents ages 13-17 who have engaged in any sexual activity (e.g., oral, anal or vaginal sex)

Exclusion Criteria:

* under age 13
* over age 34

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: HIV Infections, Sexual Behavior

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.