NCT06848686 · San Diego State University
Prevention Ambassadors: Intervention to Promote HIV Service Engagement in the Networks of SSP Clients
What this study is about
HIV testing and service uptake are infrequent among people who use drugs (PWUD) in the United States. In partnership with a community-based syringe service program (SSP), this project will develop the SSP-based "Prevention Ambassadors" (PA) intervention to promote HIV testing and service uptake among PWUD via the secondary distribution (i.e.
View original scientific description
HIV testing and service uptake are infrequent among people who use drugs (PWUD) in the United States. In partnership with a community-based syringe service program (SSP), this project will develop the SSP-based "Prevention Ambassadors" (PA) intervention to promote HIV testing and service uptake among PWUD via the secondary distribution (i.e., peer delivery) of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits with local HIV service information and referrals to HIV service navigation in the social networks of SSP clients (i.e., PWUD). The PA intervention will then be piloted to assess its preliminary effects, acceptability, and feasibility among PWUD in the Ending the HIV Epidemic priority jurisdiction of Riverside County, California.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Prevention Ambassadors
Delivery of prevention supplies and information on local services plus training to build the capacity of PWUD to distribute HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits with information and referrals to other PWUD in their social networks to promote HIV testing and HIV service engagement among PWUD.
BEHAVIORAL
SSP Standard of Care
Delivery of prevention supplies and information on local services.
Primary outcome measures
HIV testing (past 3 months)
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Self-reported via survey and abstracted from medical record
Linkage to PrEP/HIV care (past 3 months)
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Self-reported via survey and abstracted from medical record
PrEP/ART uptake (past 3 months)
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Self-reported via survey and abstracted from medical record
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Being greater than or equal to 18 years old
- Reporting drug use (past month)
- Having other people who use drugs (PWUD) in one's social network
- Being willing to talk about HIV testing and services with at least 2 PWUD in their networks and attempt to refer them to the study
- Speaking English fluently Peer-Recruit Participant Inclusion Criteria:
- Being greater than or equal to 18 years old
- Reporting drug use (past 3 months)
- Being recruited by an index participant (evidenced by presenting the coupon used to recruit them)
- Speaking English fluently
Exclusion criteria
- \- Persons who participated in formative study activities related to the development of the PA intervention will not be eligible to participate.
Where
- San Diego, California
Collaborators
University of California, San Diego, University of California, Riverside, Dap Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations