Posts classified under: MSM

Getting Off: A Theory-based mHealth Intervention for Methamphetamine-using MSM

Abstract: Methamphetamine (MA) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with increased rates of HIV prevalence and transmission, as well as substandard advancement along the HIV Prevention and Care Continua. MA use among MSM is deeply integrated into socio-sexual networks including the use of smartphone applications (“app”) and websites to find sexual partners. Given the growth of mobile health technology, it is no longer necessary or reasonable to limit MA treatment options to physical sites, clustered in urban areas, and administered using generic, non-tailored content. The project builds upon the established efficacy of our manualized MA-abuse treatment intervention, “Getting Off: A Behavioral Treatment Intervention for Gay and Bisexual Male Methamphetamine Users,” and the highly promising findings from our successful Stage I proof-of-concept study, to complete translation of Getting Off into a cross-platform (iOS and Android) app and assess the app’s efficacy and non-inferiority in a scientifically rigorous randomized trial. The Getting Off app, like the group-based intervention before it, will use the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Stages of Change to help MSM reduce or eliminate MA use and HIV sexual risk behaviors, and increase advancement along the HIV Prevention or Care Continuum (including uptake of HIV testing, pre-, and post- exposure prophylaxis [PEP/PrEP] and PrEP adherence and persistence for those who are HIV negative; ART uptake and adherence for those who are HIV positive). This project will 1) refine and enhance the first 8 sessions of the Getting Off MA-abuse treatment intervention developed in Stage I based on feasibility pilot test user feedback, 2) conduct formative research to develop the remaining 16 sessions of the Getting Off MA- abuse treatment intervention into a cross-platform computerized mobile app targeted to reduce MA use and HIV sexual risk behaviors, and increase advancement along the HIV Prevention or Care Continuum, and 3) conduct a RCT to evaluate reductions of MA use and HIV sexual risk behaviors, and increased advancement along the HIV Prevention or Care Continuum, using three approaches: a) Efficacy Trial – a two-arm RCT to determine intervention effects through comparison of the Immediate Delivery (ID; n=150) and Delayed Delivery (DD; n=150) arms; b) Efficacy Trial – an observed treatment effects analysis to compare pre/post data from the pooled ID and DD conditions (N=300); and, c) Non-inferiority Trial – a two-arm historical matched comparison design to evaluate the outcomes of the Getting Off app (ID + DD; N=300) relative to a matched sample of participants having previously attended the brick-and-mortar group-based Getting Off intervention (N~600; total N=900). The RCT uses repeated measures to assess participants at baseline, 1-, 2- (DD condition only), 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up. This study could have significant public health impact by greatly expanding access to effective, affordable, private, culturally competent and highly scalable MA treatment to this very high-risk population.

Project Number: 1R01DA045562-01A1

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/wXqheaHzyUy0u0LsyaI8ew/project-details/9628755

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

REBACK, CATHY J, PROFESSOR (reback@friendsresearch.org)

 

Organization

FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Methamphetamine (MA) use among MSM is strongly associated with HIV infection and interrupted progression along the HIV Prevention and Care Continua. This study will complete the development and evaluation of an evidence-based, theory-driven, and culturally competent treatment app for MA-using MSM, designed to reduce or eliminate MA use and HIV sexual risks, increase uptake of HIV testing and pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP), including PrEP adherence and persistence for those who are HIV negative, and increase retention in HIV care and adherence to ART for those who are HIV positive. Given the severe personal and public health consequences of MA use, the public health significance of this app is very high as it will provide this population with a tailored treatment opportunity that is easily accessible, affordable, private, and highly scalable.

 

Project Start Date: 15-July-2018

Project End Date:30-April-2023

Evaluating STI screening and antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae among PrEP users in Vietnam

Abstract: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at higher risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that increase HIV risk, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users—many of whom are MSM—are also at increased risk for STIs. U.S. guidelines recommend that PrEP users undergo frequent screening in multiple anatomic sites (pharyngeal, urogenital, and rectal) for asymptomatic infections. However, lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack such guidelines, resulting in missed opportunities for STI screening and treatment among LMIC PrEP users. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in N. gonorrhoeae is an urgent global health threat and the prevalence is highest in LMICs, where access to diagnostics is limited. In particular, the Western Pacific Region, which includes the LMIC of Vietnam, has seen increasing spread of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae, which has spread worldwide. Major gaps exist in understanding the drivers of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae in LMICs. In this study, investigators from UCLA and Hanoi Medical University will investigate the acceptability and feasibility of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening among MSM and transwomen engaged in an HIV PrEP program in Hanoi, Vietnam. We hypothesize that screening will be acceptable and feasible. We will also investigate risk factors for AMR and genomic relationships between commensal Neisseria and N. gonorrhoeae at genetic loci associated with AMR, hypothesizing that recent antibiotic use is a risk factor for AMR. AIM 1: (a) To determine the distribution of anorectal, pharyngeal, and urogenital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections among MSM and transgender women PrEP users (n=1,300) in Hanoi, Vietnam and (b) To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility, including willingness to pay, of rapid, triple-site testing. AIM 2: (a) To collect, culture, and perform antibiotic susceptibility testing on N. gonorrhoeae and oropharyngeal Neisseria species to investigate the prevalence and correlates of AMR and b) To perform whole-genome sequencing on pairs of N. gonorrhoeae and Neisseria species isolated from within the same individual to investigate relationships within genes associated with antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. This two-year project has four phases. Phase 1 will last three months and will involve development of study materials, planning, and training. Phase 2 will last one year and will evaluate acceptability and feasibility of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening. Phase 3 will last 9 months and will involve antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. Phase 4 will last 3 months and will involve dissemination of findings through manuscripts, presentations, and sharing of data with local government and health agencies. Findings from the study will form the foundation for a future R01-proposal to investigate the impact of routine screening and treatment of STIs on the development of antimicrobial resistance is N. gonorrhoeae.

Project Number: 7R21AI157817-02

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/yKo7fj4CsEeWn001nA2peA/project-details/10389089

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

KLAUSNER, JEFFREY DAVID, CLINICAL PROFESSOR (jdklausner@med.usc.edu)

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In the proposed study, we will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of rapid, triple-anatomic-site screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections within a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. We will determine the distribution of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections by anatomic site, test N. gonorrhoeae and commensal Neisseria species for antimicrobial susceptibility, and perform whole genome sequencing on N. gonorrhoeae and Neisseria species to investigate genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance. Findings from this study will characterize the burden of STIs among PrEP users in Vietnam while also providing insight into the correlates of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae and identifying genetic factors associated of with resistance.

 

 

Project Start Date: 05-February-2021

Project End Date: 31-January-2023

Budget Start Date:  12-May-2021

Budget End Date: 31-January-2022

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC:  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES/ FY Total Cost by IC: $220,833

Clinical Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Cefixime Versus Penicillin G for Treatment of Early Syphilis

Abstract: The proposed project is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cefixime (400mg, twice a day, for 10 days) compared to benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units, intramuscularly) in patients with and without HIV infection. Syphilis rates have been increasing both in the US and internationally. Incidence is higher among men-who-have-sex-with-men and more importantly in individuals with HIV infection. Currently, penicillin is used to treat syphilis in patients with and without HIV infection. Doxycycline, tetracycline and ceftriaxone are alternative treatments for non-pregnant patients who are allergic to penicillin. Existing treatment alternatives are based on clinical experience, a limited number of small clinical trials, and case series, but each poses clinical challenges. New, safe and efficacious antibiotic treatment options are needed. In this proposal, we will build upon our successful pilot study to conduct a randomized, multisite, open-label, non- inferiority clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of cefixime (400mg, twice a day, for 10 days) compared to benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units, intramuscularly) in patients with and without HIV infection. We will enroll 400 participants with early syphilis infection from 9 clinical sites in the U.S. and Peru. We will follow the participants to monitor clinical progress and serological response (RPR titer) every 3 months for 9 months. Our hypothesis is that cefixime will be non-inferior to penicillin in treating syphilis, shown as a 4-fold decrease in RPR titer from enrollment to 6-months after treatment administration. These are the two specific aims of our proposal. AIM 1: Evaluate the effectiveness of cefixime in the treatment of early syphilis when compared to benzathine penicillin G. AIM 2: Determine the predictors of treatment failure among participants. The 5 year project has 4 phases. Phase I will last 9 months and will involve the development of study instruments, staff training on recruitment, enrollment, and data collection. Phase II will last 36 months and will involve recruitment and enrollment of patients. Phase III which will last 45 months, but will start simultaneously as stage II, and will include the patient follow-up period. Phase IV will last 6 months and in that time, the data will be analyzed and disseminated.

Project Number: 7R01AI155217-02

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/YayN4XwnBUe4QIvlEb1gsg/project-details/10392825

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

KLAUSNER, JEFFREY DAVID, CLINICAL PROFESSOR (jdklausner@med.usc.edu)

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In the proposed study, we will examine the effectiveness of oral cefixime 400 mg twice-daily for 10 days (compared to injectable single dose benzathine penicillin G) in treating syphilis among people with and without HIV infection. The results of this clinical trial might identify cefixime as a novel alternative treatment for syphilis that is useful for people living with HIV infection, in patients with penicillin allergy or in settings of penicillin shortage. We will also describe predictors of syphilis treatment failure among people with and without HIV.

 

 

Project Start Date: 13-July-2020

Project End Date: 30-June-2025

Budget Start Date: 01-July-2021

Budget End Date: 30-June-2022

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC:  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES/ FY Total Cost by IC: $665,080

Effects of methamphetamine use on risk behavior, systemic and mucosal inflammation, and sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV risk among men who have sex with men

Abstract: This K23 Career Development Award will provide early career support for the investigation of behavioral and biological risk factors for HIV/STI transmission caused by methamphetamine (MA) use among men who have sex with men (MSM). This K23 award will provide support for the candidate to develop expertise in the following areas: 1) Biological impacts of MA use and addiction medicine; 2) Clinical trials methods and biobehavioral interventions; 3) Applied immunology; 4) Professional development; and 5) Responsible conduct of research. Dr. Blair will be mentored by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in addiction, infectious diseases, immunology, and statistics. Dr. Steven Shoptaw has an extensive track record in addiction research and training of future independent investigators. Dr. Jesse Clark will provide mentorship in clinical trial methods, operations, and safety procedures; Dr. Grace Aldrovandi will provide mentorship in applied immunology, with an emphasis on mucosal immunology; and Dr. Robert Weiss will provide mentoring in advanced statistical methods. MA use is an important driver of HIV transmission and the burgeoning STI epidemic among MSM. Understanding the interaction of biological and behavioral risk factors for HIV/STI transmission caused by MA use is imperative for effective HIV/STI interventions. Dr. Blair proposes to investigate the joint effects of MA use, HIV, sexual risk behavior, and rectal gonorrhea/chlamydia (GC/CT) on systemic and rectal inflammation. Stored plasma specimens and behavioral data obtained every 6 months over 2 years from 140 MSM will be used to assess the joint effects of HIV and MA use on systemic inflammation and risk behavior using a 2×2 factorial design stratified by HIV serostatus (70 positive; 70 negative) and results of urine MA screening (70 with MA use; 70 without MA use). 40 HIV-negative MA-using MSM (20 with rectal GC/CT; 20 without rectal GC/CT) will be recruited separately from a community-based university research clinic. MA exposure will be manipulated using contingency management (CM) to evaluate the effects of a decline in MA use on biological markers of inflammation (e.g., cytokines). Following initiation of CM, sexual risk behaviors will be assessed weekly for 8 weeks. Inflammatory rectal cytokines will be measured weekly with rectal swabs and linked with biomarkers of MA exposure over 8 weeks. These activities will accomplish the following aims: 1) Measure the joint effects of HIV and MA use on systemic cytokine concentrations and risk behavior; 2) Identify the effects of MA exposure and concomitant rectal GC/CT on rectal cytokine concentrations; and 3) Evaluate the association of MA use frequency with sexual risk behavior in the setting of rectal inflammation. Through this K23 Career Development Award, Dr. Blair will establish herself as an independent clinician-investigator with expertise in intersectional research on the biological and behavioral impacts of MA and other drugs on HIV/STI transmission dynamics.

Project Number: 1K23DA054004-01A1

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/tAgUSBhBMk6GQ6zuICfECA/project-details/10326738

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

BLAIR, CHERIE SAVINE, INFECTIOUS DISEASES FELLOW (CherieBlair@mednet.ucla.edu)

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Understanding the interaction of biological and behavioral risk factors for HIV/STI transmission caused by methamphetamine use is imperative for effective HIV/STI interventions. This innovative project will evaluate the joint effects of methamphetamine use, HIV, sexual risk behavior, and rectal GC/CT on systemic and rectal inflammation – a key step in designing potent prevention interventions. Findings from this project will be important toward the development of effective interventions that combine methamphetamine reduction with STI screening and HIV prevention.

 

 

Project Start Date: 15-July-2021

Project End Date: 30-June-2026

Budget Start Date: 15-July-2021

Budget End Date:  30-June-2022

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC:  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE/ FY Total Cost by IC: $202,392

uTECH: Machine Learning for HIV Prevention Among Substance Using GBMSM

Abstract: Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the U.S. Substance use is an important influence on HIV risk among GBMSM; and partner seeking for both sex and substance use have largely moved online and to geosocial networking platforms designed for GBMSM (e.g., Grindr). Technological advances in the collection and mining of “big data” to inform behavioral health interventions have increased in recent years but have not been applied directly to HIV prevention and substance use harm reduction among GBMSM. At the same time, despite major advances in biomedical HIV prevention (i.e., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) and substance use harm-reduction (i.e., medication assisted therapy [MAT]), these strategies are underutilized by GBMSM. My research team and I conducted formative research on social media data mining and machine learning through a NIDA A/START (R03) to identify patterns of technology use that are associated with HIV risk and substance use among GBMSM. We established computational functionality of a culturally tailored social media data mining program among substance using GBMSM. I now take an important scientific risk to use this technology to develop an HIV prevention intervention for GBMSM, tentatively titled uTECH, that leverages insights from machine learning to trigger personalized intervention content in order to increase biomedical HIV prevention and substance use harm reduction. Specifically, I propose to conduct a two-phase study. In Phase 1 I will conduct qualitative interviews with GBMSM to inform the iterative development and refinement of uTECH. In Phase 2, I will test the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of uTECH in a comparative implementation science trial. For this phase, I will (a) enroll racially diverse, HIV- negative, substance using GBMSM; (b) randomize them to either the uTECH intervention or a comparison group; and (c) measure acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility through 6 months post-intervention. My primary implementation science outcomes will be acceptability (i.e., Acceptability of Intervention Measure [AIM]), appropriateness (i.e., Intervention Appropriateness Measure [IAM]), and feasibility (i.e., Feasibility of Intervention Measure [FIM]). I believe that the power of “big data” and new technologies can be harnessed for effective HIV prevention with substance using GBMSM. In the era of increasing HIV prevention fatigue among GBMSM, the ability to deliver quick, convenient and highly personalized interventions presents an opportunity to reinvigorate HIV prevention.

Project Number: 3DP2DA049296-01S1

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/nFB_Tkpd50ClD8nWRvjc1Q/project-details/10400487

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

HOLLOWAY, IAN WALTER, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (holloway@luskin.ucla.edu)

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are the largest HIV transmission group in the U.S. and substance use is an important factor driving new HIV infections in this population. The overarching goal of this proposal is to reinvigorate HIV prevention among GBMSM by refining and testing the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of an innovative, social media “big data” machine learning intervention, which aims to reduce HIV transmission risk by integrating biomedical and behavioral risk reduction strategies.

 

FOA: PA-20-272/ Study Section: Unavailable

 

Project Start Date: 15-August-2019

Project End Date: 31-May-2024

Budget Start Date: 15-August-2019

Budget End Date: 31-May-2024

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC:  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE/ FY Total Cost by IC: $13,728

Expedited Partner Therapy and the HIV Prevention Cascade Among MSM in Peru

Abstract: Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) offers a unique tool to combine HIV prevention and STI control through an integrated HIV Prevention Cascade. In providing empiric, patient-delivered antibiotic treatment to the recent sexual partners of individuals with bacterial STIs, EPT promotes partner notification, HIV/STI testing, and treatment, and triggers the critical first step of an HIV prevention cascade culminating in uptake of antiretroviral-based prevention methods (such as PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis), and ultimately a reduction in community-level HIV transmission risk. By targeting the sexual partners of individuals with new STI diagnoses, EPT provides an opportunity to identify nodes of active HIV and STI transmission within high-risk sexual networks, to promote HIV testing and linkage to prevention and treatment services among these individuals, and to potentially reducing the incidence of HIV/STI transmission within the larger population. Use of EPT for HIV/STI control among MSM presents three key questions for future research: i) What is the impact of EPT on biological outcomes of persistent or recurrent bacterial STIs among MSM? ii) What is the effect of EPT on prevention cascade outcomes of partner HIV/STI testing and linkage to HIV prevention/treatment services? and iii) Would any observed increases in prevention cascade outcomes lead to community-level reductions in HIV/STI transmission? Aim 1 (Individual). To determine the effect of EPT on individual-level outcomes of partner notification and persistent or recurrent GC/CT infection among MSM. Aim 2 (Partnership). To assess the impact of EPT on partner-level outcomes of notification, testing, STI treatment, and linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services. Aim 3 (Population). To use Agent Based Modeling to estimate the impact of EPT for MSM on HIV/STI transmission at network- and population-levels.

 

Project Number: 1R01MH118973-01A1

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/8uQzJnqO4kGvjo0HMuZ8FQ/project-details/9781083

 

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

CLARK, JESSE LAWTON, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR-IN-RESIDENCE (jlclark@mednet.ucla.edu)

 

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) following STI diagnosis offers a unique strategy to integrate STI control with HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM). Our study uses EPT as a tool to trigger the HIV prevention cascade among at-risk MSM in Lima, Peru.

 

 

Project Start Date: 01-June-2019

Project End Date: 31-March-2024

Budget Start Date:01-June-2019

Budget End Date:31-March-2020

 

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC:  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES + NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH / FY Total Cost by IC: $561,476

Understanding and Engaging Families in HIV Biomedical Prevention for Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract: This K01 is submitted by Dr. del Pino, Associate Professor, from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). This proposal is the next step in his transition from philosophy to public health research. He seeks to reduce HIV disparities among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) by analyzing family support data from three prospective cohort studies in Los Angeles and Chicago and by conducting formative research to leverage the siblings of Latino MSM in an HIV biomedical prevention intervention. He has published qualitative and quantitative papers on family support, substance use, and HIV. He is currently supported by the CDU Emerging Scholars Award and CRECD. Career Development and Training Plan: Dr. del Pino’s mentoring team includes Dr. Steve Shoptaw (expert in substance use and biomedical interventions), Dr. Nina Harawa (expert in the development of culturally responsive HIV-prevention interventions for MSM of color), and Dr. Arun Karlamangla (expert in complex biostatistical data analysis and longitudinal clinical epidemiology research). The training goals (advanced biostatistics, families and stigma, and intervention development) will be achieved through coursework and individual tutorials with each mentor. He will have access to the UCLA CTSI (NCATS); UCLA CHIPTS (NIMH); and to AXIS, CDU’s center for clinical and translational research resources and trainings (NIMHD). Research Plan: Despite the prevention and treatment efforts of the past 30 years, Latino MSM continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV. Yet a powerful cultural source of motivation has been underutilized: the family. This project seeks to address HIV disparities by addressing gaps in our knowledge of (a) how family support affects the behaviors and health of Latino MSM over time and (b) how to engage siblings in the development and delivery of PrEP-use messages. Aim 1: Determine how family support and mental health affect the HIV-related behaviors (e.g., substance use, sexual risk) and HIV-related health (e.g., STI, HIV viral load) of Latino MSM over time. Hypothesis: Latino MSM with greater family support over time will report better HIV-related risk behaviors and health outcomes than Latino MSM who report little to no family support. Aim 2: Identify barriers and facilitators to engaging Latino MSM and siblings in HIV biomedical interventions. Aim 3: Develop and pilot test sibling-delivered messages to increase PrEP use in high-risk Latino MSM to gather feasibility and acceptability data and to refine the intervention processes and messages. Summary: The Career Development and Training Plan and the Research Plan will prepare Dr. del Pino to submit an R01 to test the efficacy and effectiveness of a culturally-specific, sibling-based intervention to reduce HIV disparities among Latino MSM. His mentorship team has the required expertise and established record of mentoring junior researchers to ensure that he becomes an independently-funded investigator.

 

Project Number: 1K01MD015002-01

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/XxIAVWiEEUW3kw7szt9ZIg/project-details/9926760

 

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

HARAWA, NINA THAWATA , PROFESSOR (NHarawa@mednet.ucla.edu)

 

 

Organization

CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY OF MED & SCI

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Despite the prevention and treatment efforts of the past 30 years, Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV nationally, and is particularly a problem in Los Angeles, which is a predominantly Latino minority city. Yet a powerful cultural source of motivation for behavior change has been underutilized: the family. The long-term goal of this K01 is for Dr. del Pino to become an independent investigator and national thought leader (1) to expand our understanding of the impact of family relationships on Latino MSM and how to include them in the development and testing of HIV biomedical interventions and (2) to address HIV and other health disparities in diverse sexual and gender minority communities.

 

 

Project Start Date: 29-January-2020

Project End Date: 30-November-2024

Budget Start Date: 29-January-2020

Budget End Date: 30-November-2020

 

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES / FY Total Cost by IC:$129,465

Innovative HIV Testing Strategy for Middle-to-Upper Income Men in a Resource Limited Setting

Abstract:In Botswana, the setting of the proposed study, nearly one in five adults are living with HIV. Men in Botswana over age 40, the focus on the present research, show relatively high levels of HIV prevalence and risk behavior, and low levels of HIV testing. Moreover, higher income is associated with increased risk of being HIV-positive in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The proposed research will use mixed methods to develop an intervention that de- stigmatizes and encourages HIV testing among men of middle-to-higher socio- economic status (SES) in Gaborone, Botswana. We will focus on increasing HIV testing among men of higher SES. Fear of being stigmatized among financially secure men in employment in Botswana may contribute to low HIV testing uptake. The Specific Aims are: Aim 1: To initially conduct formative qualitative work to explore the role of stigma on low HIV testing uptake among 20 men via face to face interviews, and then to obtain feedback about potential interventions using asynchronous online focus group discussion among 40 men all with relatively high socio-economic status (SES) in Botswana. Aim 2: To develop and conduct a small pilot test of a local, culturally appropriate HIV testing strategy targeting 100 men in the higher-SES in Botswana. Hypothesis: At least 60% of men will access the new HIV testing strategy, equivalent to a ~20% point increase above testing strategies not tailored to men. Aim 3: To build capacity for HIV stigma and related behavioral research by conducting focused workshops in Botswana. To reach the remaining 10-10-10, it is essential to develop differentiated, tailored approaches for risk groups, such as men of relatively higher SES, that are untouched by existing prevention and testing frameworks in countries of high HIV prevalence.!

 

Project Number:5R21TW011069-02

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/ukRDruCWsESODyaoaOckJg/project-details/9730678

 

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

BOGART, LAURA M, SENIOR BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST (LBOGART@RAND.ORG)

MOSEPELE, MOSEPELE, SENIOR LECTURER (mosepelemosepele@gmail.com)

 

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In Botswana, the setting of the proposed study, nearly one in five adults are living with HIV, and men over age 40, especially those of higher income, are at particularly high HIV risk due to concurrent multiple partnerships and low rates of HIV testing. We propose to explore qualitatively how stigma in the context of masculine gender role norms may be a barrier to HIV testing among men over age 40 years of higher socioeconomic status in Botswana, and use these results to develop and pilot an innovative HIV testing strategy through major employers that is tailored to men.

 

 

Project Start Date: 01-July-2018

Project End Date:30-April-2022

Budget Start Date: 01-May-2019

Budget End Date: 30-April-2022

 

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC: FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER / FY Total Cost by IC:$106,708

Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Latino MSM Focused PrEP Uptake Intervention

Abstract: HIV disparity persist among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those who are immigrants. The CDC estimates the lifetime HIV risk is 1 in 5 for Latino MSM compared to 1 in 11 for white MSM. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical strategy highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition, with the potential to reduce the number of new HIV infections among Latino MSM in the U.S. PrEP involves once daily dosing of medications. The FDA has approved two medications, sold under the brand names Truvada® and Descovy® for daily use as PrEP. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established clinical guidelines for administering PrEP to high-risk candidates. While evidence indicates that PrEP use is rising in the U.S., disparities persist in uptake among Latino MSM, despite their reported high levels of interest in using PrEP. To address this disparity, we propose a 2-phase project to develop a pilot PrEP intervention called Estoy PrEParado (I’m PrEPared) to facilitate initiation and adherence to PrEP among immigrant Latino MSM. The project will develop an engaging, culturally tailored intervention using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model. The specific aims of the project are: Aim 1: based on data from a prior study, the project will elicit feedback, validation and modification to the initial content areas of the Estoy PrEParado intervention to facilitate PrEP adoption and adherence among immigrant Latino MSM; and Aim 2: the project will conduct a small randomized pilot of Estoy PrEParado to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of the intervention in moving immigrant Latino MSM along the PrEP cascade to initiation. In formative phase 1, the project will use the innovative and novel World Café approach to facilitate a community conversation with immigrant LMSM (n≈40) to validate, modify and refine the initial intervention content areas of the Estoy PrEParado pilot intervention. The World Café is a powerful conversational process for facilitating constructive group dialogue that produces ideas and knowledge that can be put into practice. The project will also elicit feedback and input on the contents of the intervention from a project-specific Intervention Advisory Committee (IAC) comprised of academic and community experts. In phase 2, the project will conduct a small randomized pilot of 80 participants (40 participants receiving the PrEP intervention and 40 participants receiving standard care, i.e., PrEP referrals) to establish feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact. If the intervention shows promise, the findings will support the preparation of a larger scale R01 efficacy trial.

 

Project Number: 5R34MH121228-02

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/JhB7cXNmT0WkoNOjh9xCBQ/project-details/10239232

 

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

BROOKS, RONALD ANDREW, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (rabrooks@mednet.ucla.edu)

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: For Public Health, it is important to facilitate adoption of PrEP, a highly effective biomedical HIV prevention strategy that can help reduce new HIV infections among immigrant Latino MSM in the U.S. Our study will make use of HIV testing sites as an entry point to enroll participants into our pilot PrEP intervention with information tailored to address the specific needs of immigrant Latino MSM who are considering PrEP for HIV prevention. The insights from this R34 grant will serve as the basis for a subsequent R01 grant application to assess efficacy of the intervention.

 

 

Project Start Date: 15-August-2020

Project End Date: 31-July-2023

Budget Start Date: 01-August-2021

Budget End Date: 31-July-2022

 

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH/ FY Total Cost by IC: $214,211

MSM and Substances Cohort at UCLA Linking Infections Noting Effects (MASCULINE)

Abstract: The purpose of this summer research internship is to expose the selected student intern to theories, methods, clinical issues, public health issues, and community-based research addressing addiction treatment, as well as its intersection with HIV prevention. The intern will have direct access to experts in Addiction Medicine, Infectious Disease, Psychology, Psychiatry and Public Health, who will provide hands-on experience and training. The intern may conduct literature reviews, assist with data analysis, prepare descriptive statistics, assist with presentation, poster, and manuscript preparation, and assist with general research duties for which s/he will receive training. The program will be conducted remotely, but the intern will have an opportunity to attend Zoom meetings with active study teams in order to gain exposure to the conduct of clinical trials and intervention research. The intern will attend virtual lectures and community meetings. At the end of the internship, they will present what they have learned at a Center meeting and they will be encouraged to submit an abstract to a local or regional research conference.

 

Project Number: 3U01DA036267-09S1

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/7Bhd2dtIH0ivam1BKbBIvA/project-details/10400531

 

 

Contact PI/ Project Leader

GORBACH, PAMINA MAE, PROFESSOR (PGORBACH@UCLA.EDU)

SHOPTAW, STEVEN J

 

 

Organization

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This internship provides students with mentorship and training in the conduct of research that addresses key public health issues; addiction and HIV/AIDS. Completion of the internship prepares students to assist with research in medicine, psychology, public health, social welfare and sociology.

 

FOA: PA-20-272/ Study Section: Unavailable

 

Project Start Date: 30-September-2013

Project End Date:30-April-2023

Budget Start Date: 01-May-2021

Budget End Date:30-April-2022

 

 

NIH Categorical Spending

Funding IC: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE/ FY Total Cost by IC:$6,264

1 2 3 … 5
Copyright © 2025 CHIPTS - Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services. All rights reserved. Admin
site by Pendari