CHAMPION: Meth Use & PrEP Research Study
CHAMPION is a research study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco and San Diego to better understand how men who take PrEP and use methamphetamine can improve PrEP adherence and reduce meth use.
Fast Facts
Currently taking PrEP and use meth
Men aged 18–40 who have sex with men
Compensation
Provided
People living near the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego County
Study Background
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and San Diego are conducting the CHAMPION study in adult men who have sex with men to understand methamphetamine use, PrEP adherence, and how to improve health outcomes through digital tools and virtual therapy.
Methamphetamine use and challenges with taking PrEP consistently can affect motivation, health behaviors, and overall well-being. These issues may be related to disruptions in decision-making, reward processing, and adherence habits. The CHAMPION study aims to learn more about ways to support individuals who struggle with staying on PrEP while reducing meth use. We also want to understand these behaviors early so that people can develop healthier routines and reduce the risk of long-term negative health outcomes.
Eventually, the findings of CHAMPION could help improve PrEP adherence, reduce meth use, and enhance the overall health and quality of life of participants.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and San Diego are conducting the CHAMPION study in adult men who have sex with men to understand methamphetamine use, PrEP adherence, and how to improve health outcomes through digital tools and virtual therapy.
Methamphetamine use and challenges with taking PrEP consistently can affect motivation, health behaviors, and overall well-being. These issues may be related to disruptions in decision-making, reward processing, and adherence habits. The CHAMPION study aims to learn more about ways to support individuals who struggle with staying on PrEP while reducing meth use. We also want to understand these behaviors early so that people can develop healthier routines and reduce the risk of long-term negative health outcomes.
Eventually, the findings of CHAMPION could help improve PrEP adherence, reduce meth use, and enhance the overall health and quality of life of participants.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand patterns of methamphetamine use and PrEP adherence in adult men who have sex with men. We aim to better understand how behaviors, decision-making, and reward processing in the brain influence both meth use and taking PrEP consistently. Meth use and PrEP adherence are connected to motivation, habits, and health behaviors, and we will measure all of these. We also want to see whether we can support healthier routines using interventions that target these behaviors. To do this, we are using digital tools, including the CHAMP app, and virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy, providing activities designed to reduce meth use and improve PrEP adherence. The app offers support, reminders, and interactive exercises, which are believed to help influence the brain’s reward and decision-making systems.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
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Men ages 18–40 who have sex with men
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Currently taking PrEP and using methamphetamine
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Living in the San Francisco Bay Area or San Diego
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Access to a smartphone
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Willing to participate in the study for 6 months
Exclusion Criteria:
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Uncomfortable using technology or a smartphone
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Unable to commit to the full 6-month study
The entire study lasts 6 months. Once enrolled, the study involves:
From home:
You will use the CHAMPION app to track your PrEP use and complete activities designed to reduce meth use.
You will complete weekly surveys and short check-ins via the app to report your experiences, moods, and behaviors.
The app will collect some smartphone data related to app usage and responses, but no personal contacts or messages will be recorded.
Virtual visits:
You will meet 1:1 with a research staff member via Zoom weekly to review the app activities, discuss progress, and receive support.
There will be monthly surveys to track your experiences and health behaviors.
Three times during the study, you will self-collect a dried blood spot sample at home using materials provided by the research team.
As a participant, you may receive up to $230.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.