# PrEParados: A Multi-Level Social Network Model to Increase PrEP Enrollment by Latino MSM Self-Identified as Gay, Bisexual

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2022 · $542,722

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
PrEParados is a three-year developmental R01 study that will determine how social networks impact PrEP
uptake and adherence among Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM), both those who self-identify as
gay, and the unstudied group of LMSM who self-identify as bisexual/straight. This study will be implemented in
Miami-Dade County (Miami), the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the US. Among racial/ethnic groups in
Miami, LMSM have the highest HIV incidence. Despite PrEP being the most effective HIV prevention measure
currently available, few eligible LMSM in Miami are enrolled in a PrEP program (only 6% in 2018). Our
preliminary study (N=130) suggests that social network structures may be contributing to LMSM’s low PrEP
use. In that study of LMSM self-identified as gay, we discovered a large proportion of sexual encounters
involved bisexual/straight LMSM. Self-identified bisexual/straight LMSM are a bridge between MSM—in whom
the HIV epidemic is concentrated—and the general population in Miami. Before developing interventions, we
need to implement this R01, which studies a larger sample to identify network configurations and dynamics
impacting HIV risk among LMSM by their sexual self-identification (gay or bisexual/straight). To inform future
interventions, our study will examine how social network structural factors suppress or promote access,
encouragement, uptake, and adherence to PrEP. These findings will allow better deployment of accurate
information and interventions, resulting in increased PrEP initiation and adherence amongst LMSM.
PrEParados will study three social networks: 1) Friendship Networks—to identify social network mechanisms
that promote PrEP use among LMSM friends in Miami. 2) Sexual Networks—to distinguish homophily and
dyadic characteristics and dynamics associated with PrEP communication between sexual partners. 3) Venue
Networks—to determine affiliations with geographic and online venues that could increase PrEP knowledge.
Our established partnerships with Latinos Salud, Miami-Dade County Health Department PrEP Clinic, and the
University of Miami’s Mobile PrEP Clinic and Rapid Access Wellness Clinic will provide access to 8,000+
LMSM, including 1,500+ PrEP users and 500+ who self-identify as bisexual/straight. This R01 study will
provide new information that will allow PrEP interventions to include social network components and be
tailored based on LMSM’s sexual self-identification. These new interventions could then serve as models for
PrEP programs targeting males from other hard to reach populations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10310530
- **Project number:** 5R01MH125727-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Mariano Juan Kanamori Nishimura
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $542,722
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-12-01 → 2023-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10310530

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10310530, PrEParados: A Multi-Level Social Network Model to Increase PrEP Enrollment by Latino MSM Self-Identified as Gay, Bisexual (5R01MH125727-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10310530. Licensed CC0.

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