# Implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs

> **NIH NIH K01** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · 2020 · $154,619

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
The objective of this Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide Dr. Angela
Robertson Bazzi with the training, mentoring, research experience, and protected time needed to support her
transition to research independence in the development of prevention interventions for marginalized
populations affected by substance use. Training goals (TGs) include developing skills and expertise in
intervention development (TG1), implementation science (TG2), research ethics (TG3), and professional
development for a successful academic research career (TG4). Training will be accomplished through an
intensive combination of formal structured courses, training workshops and institutes, directed readings,
applied research experience, and interactions with experienced mentors who are renowned experts in
intervention development, implementation science, substance use, and antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis
(PrEP) for HIV prevention. The overarching objective of the candidate’s research is to develop a community-
based PrEP intervention for people who inject drugs (PWID). Although PrEP is recommended for HIV
prevention among PWID, uptake in this high risk and socially marginalized population has been low, and
acceptability and adherence challenges remain poorly understood. This revised proposal, which is guided by a
model of healthcare utilization for vulnerable populations, a systematic approach to intervention development,
and implementation science frameworks, will meet the following specific aims: Aim 1: identify the modifiable
determinants of PrEP access and utilization among HIV-uninfected PWID (n=30) and key informants (n=15);
Aim 2: develop a manualized intervention (TG1) to improve PrEP uptake and adherence among PWID
attending a community-based syringe exchange program (SEP); and Aim 3: conduct a pilot randomized
controlled trial (RCT) of the resulting SEP-based PrEP uptake and adherence intervention for PWID (n=50)
with a mixed methods process evaluation focused on implementation outcomes (TG2). Despite the existence
of effective HIV prevention strategies for PWID (e.g., access to sterile syringes through SEPs), the increasing
prevalence of opioid misuse over the past decade is threatening past achievements in HIV prevention. The
high proportion of U.S. PWID who report past-year receptive syringe sharing and/or condomless intercourse
(77%) highlights a need for expanded delivery of PrEP, which is efficacious and recommended for HIV
prevention among PWID. By situating this K01 on the Boston University Medical Campus, which is co-located
with community-based health and social service organizations, the candidate will be able to access a large
population of PWID and leading experts in intervention development and implementation science. While the
proposed pilot trial may not be powered to detect changes in PrEP uptake or adherence outcomes, it will
provide the necessary skills and preliminary data to dete...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9891996
- **Project number:** 5K01DA043412-04
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- **Principal Investigator:** Angela Robertson Bazzi
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $154,619
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-04-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9891996

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9891996, Implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs (5K01DA043412-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9891996. Licensed CC0.

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