# An integrated incentive-based treatment to optimize HIV treatment engagement among persons who use methamphetamine

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2023 · $205,740

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The objective of this K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award is to assist the
candidate in acquiring expertise and methodological skills to become an independent implementation science
investigator focused on integrated substance use disorder and HIV care practices. The objective of the
candidate’s research is two-fold: to reduce the detrimental impact of methamphetamine use while simultaneously
supporting engagement in HIV care. People with HIV who use methamphetamine are susceptible to experiencing
gaps at each stage of the HIV care continuum. Contingency management is an effective behavioral therapy for
methamphetamine use disorder that is based on operant conditioning principles. Contingency management
decreases the reinforcing effects of methamphetamine use by providing immediate, positive reinforcement
following abstinence from substance use. Incentive-based interventions based on operant conditioning principles
also demonstrate positive effects for improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. It remains unclear
whether a contingency management program that integrates incentives for ART adherence (CM+ART, i.e.,
dually targeting methamphetamine use and ART adherence) is more acceptable and appropriate to people with
HIV than a contingency management program targeting methamphetamine use only. The specific aims of the
research plan for the five-year K23 award period are: 1) to identify resources required to implement contingency
management programs in settings serving people with HIV, 2) to adapt contingency management to integrate
incentives for adherence to ART (CM+ART), and 3) to evaluate whether CM+ART is acceptable and appropriate
to people with HIV who use methamphetamine compared to a contingency management program targeting only
reductions in methamphetamine use. Dr. Montoya’s mentored training plan, including formal didactics and other
activities, aligns with the research aims and career development plans and has four key areas: 1) to deepen
knowledge of evidence-based practices implemented at local and national levels to support patient engagement
in HIV and substance use disorder care, 2) to apply an implementation science approach to guide adaptation of
contingency management to integrate incentives for ART adherence, 3) to acquire advanced methodological
skills to design and evaluate mixed-method studies and clinical trials, and 4) to engage in professional
development activities geared toward development of a competitive NIDA R01 application and an independent
research career. This proposal strongly aligns with NIDA Strategic Plan Objectives 3.1 (“Develop and test novel
treatments based on the science of addiction”) and 3.4 (“Develop and test strategies for effectively and
sustainably implementing evidence-based treatments”); the NIH Office of AIDS Research priority to address HIV-
associated comorbidities such as substance use disorders; and the “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10609449
- **Project number:** 5K23DA051324-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Jessica Lynette Montoya
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $205,740
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10609449

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10609449, An integrated incentive-based treatment to optimize HIV treatment engagement among persons who use methamphetamine (5K23DA051324-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10609449. Licensed CC0.

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