Using PrEP, Doing It for Ourselves

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a new online program called UPDOs Protective Styles to help people in the southeastern United States learn about and start using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medicine that helps prevent HIV. The study focuses on people who may be at higher risk for HIV and have not had equal access to PrEP.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does UPDOs help more people trust and understand PrEP? Does UPDOs increase the number of people who start and continue using PrEP?

Researchers will compare two groups:

One group will use UPDOs, which includes six weekly videos, blog discussions, and access to telehealth services through Q Care Plus. The other group will receive standard HIV prevention materials from the CDC.

Participants will:

Be recruited from 32 beauty salons in areas with high HIV rates. Complete surveys at the start of the study and again at 6, 12, 24, 32, and 52 weeks.

Have access to HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions through Q Care Plus.

This study will also look at how well the program works in different communities and how easy it is to use and share.