About Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research-Durham, North Carolina

The Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research (CHPIR) is part of the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) at Duke University. DGHI was established as a University-wide institute to coordinate, support, and implement Duke’s interdisciplinary research, education, and service activities related to global health. As part of DGHI, CHPIR’s mission is to serve as an instigator and facilitator of a broad range of health policy and health disparities research that addresses policy relevant issues. CHPIR activities focus on population-based health research, health systems research, and intervention and evaluation research.

Website: Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research

Adapted Model of Care: STYLE (Strength Through Youth Livin’ Empowered)

Intervention Service Area: The Triangle region (Durham County, Orange County, Wake County) in North Carolina.

Intervention: In North Carolina, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) account for 86% of all new HIV infections. HIV also disproportionately affects Black MSM (BMSM), who accounted for 74% of all new HIV cases in the state in 2014. HIV clinics lack the capacity needed to address the complex barriers young BMSM (YBMSM)face in accessing care. STYLE 2.0 (Strength Through Youth Livin’ Empowered) will provide a more intensive, digitally enhanced, culturally-tailored intervention building on existing services in partner clinics.

STYLE 2.0 aims to improve HIV care continuum outcomes among HIV-positive YBMSM in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The project will include an innovative combination of in-person and online intervention components that together, address barriers to engagement in the HIV care continuum among YBMSM. Because substance abuse and mental health issues represent critical barriers for YBMSM in North Carolina, behavioral health services will be a key component. The project will deliver a 12-month intervention to YBMSM ages 18-35, who are newly diagnosed with HIV, diagnosed but never engaged in HIV care, out of care, or at risk of falling out of care. Services will include outreach, health care navigation, access to a specialized STYLE 2.0 version of an online intervention developed by and for YBMSM (healthMpowerment), motivational interviewing delivered via videoconferencing, and behavioral health referrals.