Actively Recruiting
Harnessing the Power of Peer Navigation and mHealth to Reduce Health Disparities in Appalachia
Led by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Updated on 2026-05-26
141
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to improve the use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services among racially and ethnically diverse gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women living in rural Appalachia. By combining peer navigation with mobile health (mHealth) strategies, the study seeks to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable populations and inform public health practices and policies. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group receiving a culturally compatible, bilingual approach that includes peer navigation and mHealth communication, or a delayed-intervention group. Community health leaders will raise awareness, support service access, and conduct in-person group sessions over 12 months. They will also use social media and apps to communicate and support participants throughout the intervention. During the study, researchers will track HIV, STI, and HCV testing rates at baseline, immediately after the 12-month intervention, and again 12 months later. They will also monitor the use of prevention methods like PrEP, syringe services, and gender-affirming care. Participants will be involved in group activities, receive ongoing support via mHealth platforms, and have their service use regularly assessed to measure the intervention's impact through 24 months from baseline.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Appalachian Partnership to Reduce Disparities (Aim 2)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Reside in one of the rural Appalachian catchment counties
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Report being assigned male sex at birth and having had sex with at least one man in the past 12 months
- Provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants receive peer navigation and mHealth interventions involving in-person group sessions and social media communication to promote HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services.
At least 4 formal group sessions and ongoing social media communication during the intervention period
Duration - 12 months
Participants are observed for outcomes related to HIV, STI, and HCV testing and prevention service use 12 months after the intervention ends.
1 follow-up assessment visit at 24 months post-baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27157
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Scott D. Rhodes, Ph.D, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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