# Assessing the use of MY-RIDE, a just-in-time adaptive intervention, to Improve HIV prevention and Substance Use in Youth Experiencing Homelessness

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2024 · $714,875

## Abstract

On any given night in the U.S., one in 10 youth aged 18-25 experience homelessness. The highest HIV risk
groups disproportionately experience homelessness. Yet, YEH lack access to HIV prevention including highly
effective pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis medications (i.e., PrEP, nPEP). Substance use and stress
negatively impact HIV risk. Stress contributes to condomless sex, more sexual partners, and substance use
with rates being twice that of housed youth. MY-RIDE, is a mobile health intervention that responds to
Ecological Momentary Assessments to deliver personalized messaging and behavioral feedback. Pilot data
found that MY-RIDE decreased drug use, sexual urges, and stress among YEH. This study will fully test MY-
RIDE by conducting a randomized attention-controlled trial. MY-RIDE addresses HIV risk and its antecedents
in real-time using messages developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model. Using
Motivational Interviewing and Shared Decision Making approaches, nurse-led and on-demand sessions help
YEH engage in HIV prevention despite their unstable housing circumstances. YEH receive personalized
mobile messages that address their current HIV risk factors as well as substance use, mental health, and
housing. Aim 1: Determine whether MY-RIDE decreases substance use compared to attention control youth
(N=320; aged 18-25 years) at 3, 6, and 12 months. Aim 2: Determine whether MY-RIDE increases HIV
prevention strategies (condom use, PrEP uptake, reduced STIs) when compared to attention control youth.
Exploratory Aim 1: Evaluate MY-RIDE effects on willingness to take PrEP, stress, substance use urge, and
use of mental health and substance use services when compared to attention control youth. This innovative
study combines nurse-led counseling with JITAI technology to deliver personalized prevention supports at the
time of heightened need. My-RIDE is a highly scalable intervention that increases reach to a disconnected
population and facilitates delivery of an HIV prevention intervention that transcends barriers to access to care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10932983
- **Project number:** 5R01NR020997-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Diane M. Santa Maria
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $714,875
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-21 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10932983

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10932983, Assessing the use of MY-RIDE, a just-in-time adaptive intervention, to Improve HIV prevention and Substance Use in Youth Experiencing Homelessness (5R01NR020997-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10932983. Licensed CC0.

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