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
Duke University
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
HIV disproportionately affects people living in the United States Southeast, threatening progress toward the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative's 2030 goals. Therefore, interventions that consider the lived experiences and needs of this at-risk population are urgently needed to support individuals in these geographic areas from medication precontemplation to uptake to maintenance. Under the leadership of the Principal Investigator and in partnership with communities, an established Community Advisory Council (CAC), an online telehealth platform (Q Care Plus), and beauty salon stylists,…