Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Using PrEP, Doing it for Ourselves [UPDOs] Protective Styles: A Multi-level Intervention to Improve HIV Testing and PrEP Uptake Among At-risk Populations Living in the Southeastern Region of the United States

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a new online program called UPDOs Protective Styles to help people in the southeastern United States learn about and start using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medicine that helps prevent HIV. The study focuses on people who may be at higher risk for HIV and have not had equal access to PrEP. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does UPDOs help more people trust and understand PrEP? Does UPDOs increase the number of people who start and continue using PrEP? Researchers will compare two groups: One group will use UPDOs, which includes six weekly videos, blog discussions, and access to telehealth services through Q Care Plus. The other group will receive standard HIV prevention materials from the CDC. Participants will: Be recruited from 32 beauty salons in areas with high HIV rates. Complete surveys at the start of the study and again at 6, 12, 24, 32, and 52 weeks. Have access to HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions through Q Care Plus. This study will also look at how well the program works in different communities and how easy it is to use and share.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

Female

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Using PrEP, Doing it for Ourselves (UPDOs)

  An e-Health intervention that considers women's lived experiences and uses three components: beauty salons and stylists as opinion leaders (trusted gatekeepers who share health information in the community), theory driven edutainment videos and blogs, and a secure online platform for accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

• Other
  Standard of Care

  CDC standard of care, e.g., CDC videos and website.

Location