# Projecting the Epidemiologic and Economic Impact of HIV Prevention Efforts in the Context of Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

> **NIH NIH K01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $118,138

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Despite improvements in efficacy and coverage of antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of HIV in the United
States (US) has failed to decline substantially in the last decade, while earlier declines in the incidence of other
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have recently reversed. As prevention dollars run short, it is important to
identify strategies for efficiently investing resources to lower the burden of these interconnected epidemics.
This mentored research scientist career development (K01) proposal would enable an accomplished junior
candidate with expertise in agent-based simulation modeling to expand her skillset while describing network
factors underpinning HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM), modeling the
epidemiological impact of combined prevention interventions for HIV and other STIs, and quantifying the cost-
effectiveness of those interventions – thus filling critical knowledge gaps in our current understanding of
HIV/STI transmission and prevention in the US.
The candidate's proposed research involves a rigorous, model-based investigation into the HIV/STI co-
epidemic among MSM in Baltimore City – a representative setting for which strong epidemiological and
surveillance data exists. To understand the co-transmission dynamics of HIV and other STIs, the candidate will
develop a series of contact networks using ten years of surveillance and contact investigation data available
through Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) and will quantify changes in the structure of this network
over the last decade (Aim 1). To study and compare the impact of different prevention interventions on HIV/STI
spread, the candidate will develop detailed models of STI co-transmission, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea
and chlamydia. These models will be used to project the epidemiologic impact of targeting Pre-Exposure
Prophylaxis (PrEP) to MSM diagnosed with other STIs and/or their sexual partners (Aim 2), and to assess the
cost-effectiveness of strategies for PrEP implementation (Aim 3) at different levels of program coverage and
individual uptake and adherence.
The candidate for this award is a junior faculty member with a background in computational sciences who has
more recently developed experience in HIV/AIDS research. During this award period, the candidate will be
mentored by a multidisciplinary team of experts with complimentary skills in areas related to her research aims
and training goals. Her K01 training goals are (1) to acquire expertise in analysis of social and sexual
networks, (2) to develop a solid understanding of HIV/STI epidemiology and coinfection, (3) to gain experience
in methods for economic evaluation, and (4) to improve her skills in mentorship, management, and
collaboration with diverse stakeholders in order to achieve a successful transition to independence. Her long-
term goal is to become an independent scientist developing and applying innovative analytical techniques...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10061533
- **Project number:** 5K01AI138853-03
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Parastu Kasaie
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $118,138
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-12-10 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10061533

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10061533, Projecting the Epidemiologic and Economic Impact of HIV Prevention Efforts in the Context of Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (5K01AI138853-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10061533. Licensed CC0.

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