Virtual Promotoras Program for Sexual Health

Age: < 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Disqualifiers: Non-English or Spanish speaking

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

52 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program called the Virtual Promotoras Program, which aims to improve sexual health for young Latina women in Alabama. The program seeks to create a supportive online space that helps participants access health information and care they might not otherwise receive. Latina women aged 16-21 who haven't had a sexual health check-up in the last 18 months and have lived in Alabama for at least 5 years may be a good fit for this study.

As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance sexual health resources for young Latina women.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on sexual health education rather than medication use.

What prior data suggests that the Virtual Promotoras Program is safe for young Latina women?

Research shows that the Virtual Promotoras Program creates a virtual "safe space" for young Latina women to learn about sexual health. Studies on similar programs with promotoras, who serve as community health educators, have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving health outcomes for Latinas in resource-limited communities. This indicates that the program is generally well-received and safe.

Because this program emphasizes behavior and education rather than medication or medical procedures, it is less likely to cause physical side effects. However, emotional reactions can vary, and participants should feel comfortable with the topics discussed. So far, no reports of negative effects have emerged from this type of program. Participants typically find these programs helpful and empowering. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Virtual Promotoras Program is unique because it leverages digital technology to provide sexual health education and support, potentially reaching more people than traditional in-person methods. Unlike standard options like in-person workshops or printed materials, this program uses virtual promotoras—community health workers who interact online—to engage participants in a more accessible and personalized manner. Researchers are excited about this approach because it can increase accessibility, making vital health information available to those who might face barriers to traditional resources, such as transportation or scheduling conflicts.

What evidence suggests that the Virtual Promotoras Program is effective for improving sexual health in young Latina women?

Research has shown that the Virtual Promotoras Program, which participants in this trial will receive, improves sexual health. Studies have found that it reduces unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young Latina women. The program also enhances participants' understanding of sexual health topics. Additionally, digital health programs like this one encourage safer sexual practices. Overall, these findings suggest that the program can positively impact the sexual health of young Latina women in areas with limited resources. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young Latina women aged 16-21 in Alabama who identify as Latina, haven't had a preventive or sexual healthcare visit in the last 18 months, and have lived in Alabama for at least 5 years.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention Development

Development and feasibility testing of the mHealth VIP Program, including educational modules and virtual promotoras guidance

3 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sexual health and healthcare access empowerment using the Sexual and Reproductive Empowerment Scale

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Promotoras Program

Trial Overview The study is testing an mHealth 'safe space' intervention called the Virtual Promotoras Program. It aims to improve sexual health among these women by providing personalized care and real-time health information.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single Arm: Virtual Promotoras Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Single-arm study. Pre and post intervention. Observational. Behavioral

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Lead Sponsor

Trials

49

Recruited

17,900+

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/ZDfylt0TY0iSvKkfm_Oxxg/project-details/10292310

THE VIRTUAL PROMOTORAS PROGRAM - NIH RePORTER This in turn, can help them achieve improved health outcomes (i.e., lowered unplanned pregnancy and STI rates).

2. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/312346/the-virtual-promotoras-study-ehealth-intervention-to-promote-sexual-health-among-young-latina-women-in-the-us-south/

eHealth Intervention to Promote Sexual Health Among ... The Virtual Promotoras Study: eHealth Intervention to Promote Sexual Health Among Young Latina Women in the US South | Clinical Research Trial ...

3. caringforcolorado.org caringforcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FINAL-SOMOS-Evaluation-Report_2024-1.pdf

Vuela for Health: SOMOS Program Evaluation, December ... These findings highlight the program's effectiveness in enhancing sexual health literacy and fostering informed discussions among all participants. Figure ...

4. cureus.com cureus.com/articles/367849-the-impact-of-promotora-community-education-and-text-messaging-on-lowering-exposure-to-environmental-toxins-to-reduce-breast-cancer-risks-and-reproductive-harm

The Impact of Promotora Community Education and Text ... Promotoras, lay health educators, are effective facilitators in improving health outcomes for Latinas in under-resourced communities.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11615821/

Efficacy of Digital Health Interventions Used for ... The findings of this research suggest that digital health interventions can be an effective way to promote safer sexual practices, improve sexual health ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/early-phase-1-healthy-subjects-hs-2-2023-eff8d

Virtual Promotoras Program for Sexual Health This trial is for young Latina women aged 16-21 in Alabama who identify as Latina, haven't had a preventive or sexual healthcare visit in the last 18 months.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10966929/

Evaluation of a Brief Online Sexual Health Program for ... HEART is a web-based intervention focused on the promotion of positive sexual health outcomes, such as sexual decision-making skills, sexual communication ...