RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06266416

IMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment (IMAGE)

A Family-Based HIV Prevention Program for Black Men to Protect Black Girls

Sponsor

University of Illinois at Chicago

Enrollment

612 participants

Start Date

Sep 2, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

HIV Infections Sexual Behavior Sexually Transmitted Infections (Not HIV or Hepatitis)

Summary

The scientific premise of this research is that individual, interpersonal, and structural factors impact Black girls' sexual reproductive health outcomes (sexually transmitted infection (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)) and experience of sexual violence. This study expands STI/HIV prevention programs to include Black male caregivers, a potentially valuable yet underutilized resource to protect Black girls and reduce their exposure to STI/HIV and sexual violence.

Eligibility

Min Age: 13 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is developing and testing a program (IMARA/IMAGE) to help Black male caregivers support the health and well-being of the adolescent girls in their lives, focusing on HIV prevention and overall empowerment. **You may be eligible if...** - You self-identify as African American or Black (or mixed race including Black) - You speak English - Male participants must be a current caregiver to a girl enrolled in the study **You may NOT be eligible if...** - The girl in your care refuses to participate - You do not speak English - You do not identify as African American or Black - The girl's primary female caregiver does not consent to her participation Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALIMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment

IMAGE is delivered by trained Black female facilitators to improve girls' SRH outcomes, prevention HIV/STIs, and reduce sexual violence. Over the two days, some components of the curriculum are delivered separately to male caregivers and girls, covering parallel content, and other sections are delivered jointly in a single group. The curriculum, extensively tailored for the target population and pilot tested, addresses Black girls' sexual development, risk for sexual violence, female anatomy, body positivity, HIV/STI knowledge and attitudes, and condom use. IMAGE is designed to strengthen bonds and communication between male caregivers and girls by encouraging perspective-taking (i.e., reverse role play) and conflict resolution.

BEHAVIORALTime-matched control program

FUEL will engage Black male caregivers and girls to promote good nutrition, exercise, and informed consumer behavior. Topics include the impact of media on body image, evaluating nutritional labels to make healthy food choices, eating balanced meals, establishing regular exercise routines, and how families and communities can support healthy behavior. FUEL includes a brief video about HIV/AIDS and other STIs but otherwise does not otherwise address sexual health. Like IMAGE, FUEL is delivered in groups of 6-8 dyads over two workshop days (\~10 hours total) in one weekend. Parts of the curriculum are delivered separately to girls and male caregivers covering parallel content and other components are delivered jointly.