Actively Recruiting
California Hub for HIV/STI/SUD Prevention Research With Reentry Populations
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2026-04-03
318
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the Mobile Enhanced Prevention Support (MEPS) intervention to see if it can be adapted and effectively used by various organizations to help people recently released from incarceration who have substance use disorders (SUD). The study aims to increase HIV testing, PrEP uptake and adherence, and use of SUD services. This research includes a randomized controlled trial with 300 participants across multiple counties and uses an implementation science framework to assess how well MEPS can be integrated and maintained in different community settings. The MEPS intervention lasts six months and includes 14 sessions with a peer mentor, cash incentives up to $600 for accessing medical and non-medical services, and a smartphone app called GeoPass. The app helps participants track goals, incentives, appointments, and access providers. Participants in the intervention group receive these services plus usual care and a client-centered planning session, while the control group receives usual care and the planning session only. The study also involves surveys and interviews with both participants and community partner staff to evaluate the intervention's acceptability and feasibility. Participants will be followed up with surveys at 6 and 12 months to assess HIV and hepatitis C testing, PrEP use, substance use treatment engagement, and other outcomes. Some participants may provide urine samples to confirm PrEP adherence. In-depth interviews will explore experiences with the intervention, and staff surveys will assess organizational factors affecting implementation. The total study duration includes initial enrollment and follow-up assessments over one year to monitor effectiveness and implementation outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
California MEPS Hub
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Assigned male at birth
- Ages 18 to 59 years
- Released from incarceration in the previous 12 months
- Reports a substance use disorder diagnosis or seeking SUD services in the past 24 months
- Reports either intercourse with a person assigned male at birth or injection drug use in the past 24 months
- Has not received an HIV diagnosis
- Has or plans to obtain a smartphone
- Plans to live within designated counties for 9 months after enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Does not have a smartphone and is unwilling to obtain one
- Is not able to speak and understand English
- Has insufficient reading skills to use a mobile app
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 1 day
Participants enroll and receive a client-centered goal planning session to set personal goals and tailored referrals. This session may be conducted by phone, video, or in person.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 6 months
Intervention arm participants receive 14 sessions with a peer mentor over 6 months, plus cash incentives for accessing services and use of a smartphone app to track goals, incentives, and appointments. Control arm participants receive usual care plus the client-centered planning session.
Up to 14 sessions with a peer mentor over 6 months
Duration - 12 months post-enrollment
Participants complete follow-up interviews at 6 and 12 months post-enrollment to assess outcomes and experiences. Participants who initiate PrEP may provide urine samples at these time points for adherence assessment.
2 visits (6 and 12 months post-enrollment)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
CAL-PEP
Oakland, California, United States, 94608
Actively Recruiting
2
Kindful Restoration
Riverside, California, United States, 92504
Actively Recruiting
3
Starting Over, Inc
Riverside, California, United States, 92506
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Study Director
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here