Study of the MEPS Intervention for HIV and Substance Use Prevention in Recently Incarcerated Men Using Smartphones

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 interventions 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.

California MEPS Hub