GODDESS: Engaging Young African American Women in a Virtual Group App to Address Alcohol Misuse, Sexual Risk, and PrEP Use

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a modified mobile health (mHealth) intervention with a virtual group component compared to a standard mHealth intervention among young women who are HIV-negative and misuse alcohol. The study focuses on reducing alcohol use and sexual risk, and increasing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Up to 500 participants will be enrolled in this two-arm randomized trial sponsored by RTI International. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will receive the mHealth-Women's CoOp app, an educational and skills-building program addressing substance use, sexual risk, and violence through a mobile app. The other group will receive the same app plus access to a virtual peer group component, which offers live, moderated discussions to support motivation and information sharing. The app will be installed on participants' smartphones after randomization. Participants will be followed for 6 months, with assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Researchers will measure alcohol use through self-reports and biological tests, sexual risk behaviors, and PrEP uptake using both self-reports and biological markers. Additional assessments include drug use, perceived social support, and experiences of violence. The study includes regular follow-ups to monitor outcomes and support participant engagement throughout the trial.

Gathering Online for Dialogue and Discussion to Enhance Social Support