CHAMPION Intervention for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence

(CHAMPION Trial)

This trial tests new mobile health tools to help HIV-negative men who have sex with men adhere to their PrEP medication and reduce methamphetamine use. The trial employs an app called CHAMPION, which sends motivational messages and includes online therapy to support healthy habits. Participants will either start using the app immediately or after a 3-month wait. This trial may suit men in San Diego or San Francisco who use methamphetamine moderately, have been on daily PrEP for over a month but sometimes miss doses, and are open to using a health app for six months. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative health solutions that could improve PrEP adherence and support healthier lifestyles.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team to get a clear answer.

Research has shown that the CHAMPION program helps people consistently take their PrEP medication and reduce meth use. This program employs a mobile health app and cognitive behavioral therapy to support participants. Developers created the app using data from previous surveys on health habits. No serious safety issues have emerged with these methods. The program primarily targets behavior changes, which typically carry a low risk of side effects. As the trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, the program is in early testing stages and is generally considered safe.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the CHAMPION Intervention because it brings a fresh approach to improving adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on personal reminders or counseling, this intervention uses a mobile health (mHealth) app to deliver motivational messages and incorporate computer-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This tech-driven method is not only innovative but also potentially more engaging and accessible, offering a continuous support system that current options lack. By leveraging technology to promote adherence, this intervention could significantly enhance the effectiveness of PrEP, making it a promising tool in the fight against HIV.

Research has shown that mobile health (mHealth) tools can help individuals adhere to their HIV prevention medication, known as PrEP. In this trial, participants in the CHAMPION Intervention Arm will use an app that sends encouraging messages and includes therapy techniques to assist those with mild to moderate methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) in maintaining their PrEP routine. Studies have found that digital tools can facilitate adherence to daily medications. Although specific data on the CHAMPION program is limited, combining mHealth tools with therapy has proven effective in similar contexts. This approach aims to address both HIV prevention and substance use, potentially improving overall success.³⁶⁷⁸⁹