The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is set to undertake a significant research project aimed at increasing the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a lifesaving drug, among Black men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite being approved over 11 years ago as an effective tool to prevent HIV infections, PrEP's usage has been extremely low within this demographic, which also happens to have the highest rates of HIV acquisition in the United States. 

PrEP works by reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent when taken daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the uptake among Black MSM remains alarmingly low, posing a major public health issue.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) pill

Darren L. Whitfield, PhD, MSW, associate professor at UMSSW, is leading this crucial research. Whitfield said, "We continue to see disparities and inequities in both the use and adherence to PrEP, particularly among Black MSM. This study is designed to determine if an intervention that provides psychosocial services to Black MSM will increase adherence and persistence to PrEP. Our overall vision is to address barriers to PrEP use among Black MSM and hopefully reduce new HIV infections in this community.” 

The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a $3.77 million grant, will test the potential benefits of a Client-Centered Care Coordination (C4) intervention model. C4 is a unique approach to health care that places the client's needs and preferences at the center of the care plan. The model was piloted in the NIH-funded HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 study, showing early signs of promise, but requires further evaluation. 

The study will take place in real-world clinical settings in Washington, D.C., and New York City. It aims to determine the efficacy of C4 in increasing PrEP adherence among Black MSM, identify the optimal dose of C4 implementation for maximizing its effect on PrEP adherence, and assess the acceptability and feasibility of C4 implementation in community settings. 

The findings of this trial are anticipated to result in an intervention tailored for Black MSM, which can be implemented in community settings to increase PrEP use and adherence. This aligns with the NIH's priority to reduce HIV incidence and tackle structural and psychosocial barriers to care, thereby reducing health care disparities. 

The prevalence of unnecessary HIV-related deaths among men underscores the pressing need for interventions like this study.