Substance Use and HIV Prevention Research Study
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are conducting a study with women who are concerned about their substance use to increase use of PrEP.
Fast Facts
Use Alcohol or Other Substances
Cisgender Women 18-60 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Houston, TX
Study Background
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are conducting studies on women who drink alcohol or use other substances to increase behaviors that prevent HIV.
HIV is an infectious disease that can be prevented using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). By taking a daily PrEP pill, people of all genders and ages can reduce their risk for HIV infection.
Our clinic is seeking to increase the usage of PrEP in women who have sex with men and drink alcohol or use substances, who may be at risk for HIV infection.
Eventually, the findings of this study might help prevent HIV for women who have substance use disorder or who have concerns about their substance use.
Study Background
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are conducting studies on women who drink alcohol or use other substances to increase behaviors that prevent HIV.
HIV is an infectious disease that can be prevented using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). By taking a daily PrEP pill, people of all genders and ages can reduce their risk for HIV infection.
Our clinic is seeking to increase the usage of PrEP in women who have sex with men and drink alcohol or use substances, who may be at risk for HIV infection.
Eventually, the findings of this study might help prevent HIV for women who have substance use disorder or who have concerns about their substance use.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to increase the usage of PrEP to prevent HIV in women. We aim to better understand the role our clinic can play in assisting women with substance use concerns in preventing HIV infection. PrEP is a daily pill for preventing HIV that will be prescribed by our nurse practitioner following a remote visit.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-60 years old
- Assigned female at birth and identify as a woman
- Diagnosis of substance use disorder OR concerns about substance use
- Sexually active with a male partner in the last 6 months
- Fluent in English
As a participant, you can receive up to $309, as well as bus passes or taxi vouchers if needed for transportation to the in-person appointment.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
Meet The Principal Investigator
Angela M. Heads, PhD
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Dr. Angela M. Heads is a licensed psychologist and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She works with the Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction (CNRA) and has expertise in evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression. Her research interests include racial disparities in mental health, as well as substance use and HIV prevention. She has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the CNRA before beginning her position as a faculty member.
