NCT06876324

Integrating Supports to Promote PrEP for Black Adolescents Working With Apps

Adolescent SPEAKS Study: Integrating Supports to Promote PrEP for Black Adolescents Working With Apps

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 10 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Emory University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 14 Years – 21 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study applies Social Cognitive Theory to develop behavioral interventions promoting PrEP adherence. It seeks to adapt and test the enhanced HMP app for feasibility and acceptability among Black adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and adult supports.

Detailed description

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV infections, reducing the risk by over 90%. However, adherence among AYAs remains suboptimal, with only 34% maintaining adherence at 48 weeks. Studies suggest that adult support can improve adherence in pediatric HIV treatment, but this approach has not been systematically evaluated for PrEP use in AYAs. Prior research indicates that Black AYAs and their families are open to incorporating adult support for PrEP adherence. Given the success of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in promoting sexual health, this study aims to enhance the HealthMPowerment (HMP) app-an existing mHealth platform designed for HIV prevention-to facilitate dyadic communication between Black AYAs and trusted adult support persons. The study addresses the high rates of HIV among Black adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Alabama, where AYAs (ages 13-24) account for 31% of new HIV diagnoses, with Black gay and bisexual males, transgender individuals, and heterosexual young women being disproportionately affected. Nearly half of new infections occur in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative prioritizes Alabama as a geographic hotspot, emphasizing the need for patient-centered interventions to reduce HIV incidence.

Conditions

• HIV

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	HealthMPowerment App	A mobile health app designed to facilitate increased PrEP use and adherence among AYAs

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2025-03-14
• Last updated: 2025-03-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States