CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Adapting and Pilot Testing a Behavioral Intervention to Incorporate Advances in HIV Prevention for Black Young MSM in Alabama
PI: Henna Budhwani, PhD, MPH
National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health/Birmingham AIDS Outreach
This project will adapt and test a behavioral intervention to promote HIV rapid testing in the community, deliver culturally appropriate prevention education, offer sociostructural supports, and refer eligible participants for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Aim 1 is to elucidate experiences, beliefs, and predictors related to delivery and utilization of HIV testing and prevention services by black YMSM using qualitative research methods, namely in-depth interviews with HIV outreach staff, focus groups with black YMSM, and in-depth interviews with members of key sub-groups to inform the adaptation of the Brothers Saving Brothers (BSB) intervention. Aim 2 is to adapt the BSB intervention to include two HIV prevention tools (rapid testing and PrEP), to address structural barriers, and to be acceptable to black YMSM in Alabama. Aim 3 is to conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation pilot study of the adapted intervention.
Conducting the Preparation Phase of a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to Develop a Modular HIV Prevention and PrEP Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Parents: “Hey, Friend”
MPIs: Henna Budhwani, PhD, MPH and Tina Simpson, MD, MPH
Merck, Sharp, and Dohme (Merck and Co., Inc)
We conduct the preparation phase of a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to develop a culturally appropriate modular HIV prevention mHealth intervention, targeting behavior change related to HIV testing, HIV prevention knowledge, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake for sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents, that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing school and community environments across the Deep South. We will assess stakeholders’ knowledge, sentiments, and beliefs related to HIV risk, HIV stigma, and HIV prevention including preferences related to modality of PrEP and PrEP acceptability. We will use these data to inform the development of intervention modules targeting SGM adolescents and their parents or guardians. After intervention modules have been finalized, we will assess each module’s acceptability, feasibility, and “clinical signal” of effectiveness.
Harnessing the Power of Social Network Support to Improve Retention in Care and Viral Suppression among Young Black Men in Chicago and Alabama: A Hybrid Type I Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Project nGage
MPIs: Alida Bouris, PhD & D. Scott Batey, PhD
National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health
The goal of this R01 is to conduct a Hybrid Type I effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial of Project nGage, an evidence-based, flexible, and tailored intervention designed to harness social network support to improve retention in care and viral suppression for HIV-positive young Black MSM (YBMSM) age 18-35. The study will be conducted in Chicago, IL and Alabama, two sites prioritized in the national Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan. Project nGage holds remarkable potential for improving Continuum of Care outcomes through its novel focus on recruiting, informing, and motivating naturally existing social support network members and, thus, benefitting public health by decreasing the risk of onwards HIV transmission and increasing the number of YBMSM retained in HIV care.
A Multidimensional Digital Approach to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among African American Young Adults in the South
MPIs: Lisa Hightow-Weidman, MD and Henna Budhwani, PhD, MPH
National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Minority Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) can reach large numbers of African American (AA)-Young Adults (YA) regardless of geographic location and empower them to make informed decisions about their health using a familiar modality that YAs value and trust. This study applies a community- based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess multi-level factors identified within the NIMHD Research Framework and adapt and test Tough Talks to address COVID vaccine hesitancy (VH), Tough Talks-COVID (TT-C). Primary effectiveness outcomes are COVID vaccine uptake and series completion. We leverage our existing infrastructure to meaningfully engage with southern AA-YA communities, working to dismantle inequitable research relationships and medical mistrust to increase COVID vaccine uptake.