Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: May 23, 2025
Date Accepted: Sep 15, 2025
A Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention, to Improve HIV Prevention and Substance Use in Youth Experiencing Homelessness (MY-RIDE): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Youth who are experiencing homelessness (YEH) face a higher risk of HIV infection compared to their housed peers, and suicide and overdose remain the leading causes of death among YEH. Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) are gaining momentum for HIV prevention and substance use research, yet most interventions for YEH have not addressed modifiable real-time factors.
Objective:
This paper describes the development and implementation of a randomized attention-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of MY-RIDE, a JITAI to improve HIV prevention and substance use in YEH.
Methods:
This study will enroll 320 YEH aged 18-25 years. The intervention was co-designed with YEH using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model and consists of an individual nurse-led session about HIV prevention and three months of a JITAI with personalized messaging delivered by phone in real-time in response to one’s current level of risk. Participants also had access to an on-demand nurse help line through the app.
Results:
Institutional review board approval was obtained in the summer of 2024. Recruitment began in the fall of 2024 at shelters, drop-in centers, and other organizations that serve YEH. Participants complete a baseline survey and HIV/STI testing and are provided with a smart phone with the intervention app. Follow-up surveys and HIV/STI testing are conducted at immediate-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post intervention to assess uptake of HIV prevention strategies and substance use reduction.
Conclusions:
The results of this study will determine whether MY-RIDE increases HIV prevention strategies and decreases substance use when compared to YEH in the attention control group. We will also evaluate if MY-RIDE impacts protective factors such as willingness to take PrEP and use of mental health and substance use services, and antecedents of risk such as stress, substance use urge, and substance use. Clinical Trial: NCT06074354
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