Abstract

of Funded Parent Project Abstract Multiple stigmas related to sexuality, race, and HIV infection negatively impact HIV testing, engagement in HIV care, and consistent viral suppression (VS) among young Black or Latino men who have sex with men and transgender women (YBLMT). At present, few interventions have addressed the effects of intersectional stigma among HIV-infected and uninfected populations. In response to RFA-MH-18-606, this study tests whether an online intervention tailored for intersectional stigma amelioration can elicit online social support, promote intervention engagement, and mitigate the impact of multiple stigmas on HIV-related outcomes. We will recruit and enroll 1,050 young (ages 15-29), racially and ethnically diverse men who have sex with men and transgender women affected by HIV across the United States. Using a HIV-status stratified randomized trial design, participants will be assigned into one of three conditions (information-only control, a researcher-driven social network intervention, or a peer-driven social network intervention). Behavioral assessments will occur at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months; biomarkers (viral load) are scheduled for baseline, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is stratified by HIV status and defined as successful engagement in care (consistent VS for HIV-positive participants and routine testing for HIV-negative participants).

Public Health Relevance

of Funded Parent Project Stigma exacerbates the HIV epidemic by negatively impacting the HIV care continuum. Young Black and Latino men who have sex with men and transgender women (YBLMT) face multiple forms of stigma related to sexuality, race, and HIV infection, and experience significant disparities in HIV/AIDS outcomes. Through a three-arm randomized controlled trial, we will assess the ability of social support components of an online, mobile-optimized intervention to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention and care behaviors among YBLMT ages 15 to 29.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01MD013623-03S1
Application #
10149780
Study Section
Program Officer
Alvidrez, Jennifer L
Project Start
2018-08-16
Project End
2023-03-31
Budget Start
2020-08-01
Budget End
2021-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104