Digital Community for HIV & Hepatitis C Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study is a cluster randomized controlled trial developed in counties located in Appalachia and the Midwest. We will prioritize counties from states with high risk for HIV and HCV infection associated with injection drug use.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is the Digital Community for HIV & Hepatitis C Prevention generally safe for humans?
The Mobile Intervention Kit (MIK), a similar digital community intervention, was found to be feasible and highly acceptable among people who inject drugs, with no reported safety concerns. It helped increase knowledge about overdose prevention and HIV/HCV testing, suggesting it is generally safe for use in community settings.12345
How does the Virtual Community Intervention treatment for HIV & Hepatitis C prevention differ from other treatments?
The Virtual Community Intervention is unique because it uses digital platforms to create a supportive online community, leveraging peer-to-peer connections to enhance HIV and Hepatitis C prevention efforts. This approach differs from traditional treatments by focusing on social interaction and community support rather than solely on medical or pharmaceutical interventions.16789
What data supports the effectiveness of the Virtual Community Intervention treatment for HIV & Hepatitis C prevention?
Research shows that using mobile technology and social media can effectively increase HIV and Hepatitis C testing and awareness. For example, a mobile intervention kit was found to be highly acceptable among people who inject drugs, leading to increased testing and knowledge. Additionally, social media interventions have shown promise in spreading health information and encouraging behavior change in community settings.110111213
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dolores Albarracin, PhD
Principal Investigator
Univ. of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults living in specific high-risk areas of Appalachia and the Midwest, where there's a concern about HIV and Hepatitis C due to injection drug use. It includes those who have used illicit substances within the last month as well as those who haven't in the past year.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in a virtual community intervention with structured sessions and communication
Immediate Follow-up
Participants are monitored for immediate outcomes after intervention sessions
Long-term Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes at 3 and 6 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Standard of Care
- Virtual Community Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
West Virginia University
Collaborator