# HIV risk reduction intervention for transwomen with intimate partner victimization

> **NIH NIH R34** · BROWN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $245,332

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
In this R34 application (PAR-18-276, Formative and Pilot Intervention Research for Prevention and Treatment
of HIV/AIDS), we propose to develop and pilot test a primary HIV prevention intervention to address the dual
and interconnected risks of HIV and intimate partner victimization (IPV) in transgender women (TW). TW are
among the populations most heavily affected by HIV in the United States (US) and are at elevated risk for
intimate partner victimization. Despite the dual and interconnected risks of HIV and IPV among TW, there are
few empirically based HIV prevention interventions that target TW, and none that target HIV risks related to
IPV in this population. The purpose of this treatment development research is to develop and evaluate the
feasibility, acceptability, safety, and initial effects of a brief intervention that concurrently targets HIV and IPV
risk, as well as that addresses inter-related risks of HIV and IPV (e.g., substance use and PTSD) for TW. The
proposed intervention will be based on the Gender Affirmation Framework, which emphasizes interpersonal
processes to positively affirm the identities and unique needs of transgender people, and will also integrate a
trauma-informed empowerment approach, which is the model of choice when working with survivors of IPV.
The intervention is hypothesized to reduce HIV risk within the context of IPV and related risk factors (e.g.,
substance use and PTSD), and to improve a range of primary prevention behaviors such as condom use, pre-
exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and repeat HIV testing. Importantly, the intervention will provide TW with
behavioral skills and resources for addressing IPV and maximizing personal safety. We will use a three-phase
research approach to address our specific aims. First, we will conduct formative qualitative research to develop
an intervention training manual for HIV-IPV prevention and fidelity scales for monitoring implementation.
Second, we will conduct an open pilot to refine and finalize the intervention manual and research protocol.
Third, we will conduct a randomized pilot trial to test the HIV-IPV intervention compared to a time and attention
matched control. Participants in the pilot trial will be followed over 6 months. We will assess intervention effects
on primary outcomes including a composite indicator of biomedical and behavioral HIV risk as well as IPV
safety; secondary outcomes including STI diagnoses (including HIV), as well as prevention behaviors:
condomless sex, PrEP uptake, mutual monogamy with a virally suppressed partner, and IPV frequency. We
will also examine mechanisms of change relevant to the theoretical foundations of the intervention, including
gender affirmation, empowerment, and self-efficacy. The findings from this study will provide the necessary
groundwork to examine the efficacy of this combined HIV-IPV intervention in a future, large-scale clinical trial.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10140424
- **Project number:** 5R34MH119968-02
- **Recipient organization:** BROWN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DAWN M JOHNSON
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $245,332
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-07 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10140424

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10140424, HIV risk reduction intervention for transwomen with intimate partner victimization (5R34MH119968-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10140424. Licensed CC0.

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