# Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of "PrEP-Talk": A PrEP Uptake Intervention for Young Black MSM with their Close Friends

> **NIH NIH R34** · CALIFORNIA STATE UNIV-DOMINGUEZ HILLS · 2020 · $231,081

## Abstract

Summary
 Young Black MSM (YBMSM) are at critically high and disproportionate HIV risk. Reducing
HIV incidence rates among YBMSM will likely require increased adoption of additional strategies
such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a FDA approved medication for HIV that also
prevents HIV transmission when taken appropriately. Interventions are needed to address
potential individual, social/cultural, and structural barriers to uptake and adherence of PrEP
among YBMSM to help curb HIV infections. Our preliminary research suggests that some
YBMSM feel concerned that PrEP is not effective or may be toxic, about being stigmatized for
having HIV if they take PrEP, as well as concerns about access and side effects. Therefore, we
propose “PrEP-Talk”, an intervention that will use a PrEP Counselor (PC) who can provide
information and guidance to YBMSM with the inclusion of a close friend (CF) to support PrEP
uptake and adherence. In order to address these critical and timely issues, we developed the
following specific aims:
 1. To develop and manualize “PrEP-Talk,” which aims to increase PrEP uptake and
 adherence among YBMSM. This will be done through qualitative formative research (3
 focus groups with 12-18 YBMSM and CF dyads, N=24-36); partnering with a community
 advisory board (comprised of individuals knowledgeable about HIV work with YBMSM);
 and field tests of the intervention with 5 YBMSM and CF dyads (N=10).
 2. Examine feasibility, acceptability and indicators of preliminary efficacy of “PrEP-
 Talk” on PrEP uptake and adherence among YBMSM. This will be accomplished
 through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 30 dyads (YBMSM and CFs) in the
 intervention and 30 dyads in the control (N=120). We will conduct assessments at
 baseline, 3-months and 6-months post-baseline. We will also assess PrEP uptake
 supportive communication at each intervention session and collect urine samples to
 measure a biomarker of PrEP uptake (initial adherence) from all YBMSM who report use
 of PrEP.
This proposed study is significant because our intervention may increase PrEP uptake and
adherence, which may help to reduce HIV incidence among YBMSM. If the proposed
intervention shows promise, we will prepare to undertake a full-scale R01-funded RCT.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9932508
- **Project number:** 5R34MH118122-02
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA STATE UNIV-DOMINGUEZ HILLS
- **Principal Investigator:** Matt Gary Mutchler
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $231,081
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-20 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9932508

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9932508, Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of "PrEP-Talk": A PrEP Uptake Intervention for Young Black MSM with their Close Friends (5R34MH118122-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9932508. Licensed CC0.

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