Award
NIH Reporter #1R01MD021855-01
Cutting Out Stigma: A Barbershop-Based Cluster-Randomized Trial to Improve HIV Testing, PrEP Uptake, and Stigma Reduction
Recipient
Massachusetts General Hospital
Award Amount
$832,865.00
Ceiling
$832,865.00
Awarded
September 17, 2026
Identifier
1R01MD021855-01
This award funds a cluster-randomized trial of a barbershop-based intervention to improve HIV testing, PrEP uptake, and reduce stigma among young Black men in the Southern US, aiming to address HIV disparities through community-centered strategies.
Description
The project develops and evaluates a barbershop-based intervention called Cutting Out Stigma (COS), which trains Black barbers as Men’s Health Ambassadors, uses culturally tailored multimedia campaigns, and connects clients to HIV testing and prevention services. The intervention aims to increase HIV testing, PrEP awareness, and referral completion among young Black men, with reductions in community HIV stigma as a mediating pathway.