Grant: U01DA036267 (PI: Dr. Gorbach and Dr. Shoptaw)

Overview: The mSTUDY (Men Who Have Sex with Men and Substance Use Cohort at UCLA Linking Infections, Noting Effects) is a study on sexual health among Latino and Black/African-American people assigned male at birth who have sex with males. Data collected during this study will help us learn more about and improve on prevention and treatment of HIV and other STIs.

Synopsis: mSTUDY is a 5-year+ research study being conducted at two sites in Los Angeles: The Los Angeles LGBT Center and the UCLA Vine Street Clinic. The purpose of the study is to understand how drug use affects the immune system of HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). Given that young, non-white MSM are at greatest risk of HIV infection in the U.S., the study will primarily enroll Latino and African-American/Black men. This project will look at if and how substance use affects the likelihood of infection in HIV- individuals and the progression of the virus in HIV+ individuals. Participants that enroll will have their sexual behavior and social networks assessed through computer questionnaires and will provide various biological samples (blood, urine, saliva, hair/nails, etc.). Some of these will be collected to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and substances, and the rest of which will be stored for use in future research. Enrolled participants will come into the clinic for study visits every 6 months for 5+ years so we can continue this assessment over time.

For more information click here 

Partner Information:

The Los Angeles LGBT Center traces its roots to 1969 when the founders of the organization first began providing client services. Today the Center’s more than 450 employees and 3,000 volunteers provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world through programs that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services & Housing, Culture & Education, and Leadership & Advocacy. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Clinical Research Program conducts research projects and clinical trials that are focused on improving the health and well-being of LGBT communities locally and globally and that contribute to scientific knowledge on the prevention, intervention and treatment of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

LGBT Center Link

The UCLA Vine Street Clinic is an outpatient site of the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine (CBAM). The mission of the CBAM is to advance the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses, especially in communities with healthcare disparities. We envision a society where every person is able to access the highest quality health services to reduce substance use, HIV risk, and other behaviors which impact health. The UCLA Vine Street Clinic is located in a transitional neighborhood designated as a medically underserved area. The facility includes exam and counseling rooms for patient care, a lab for collection and storage of biological samples, and group meeting space. It has provided prevention programs and clinical trial opportunities to more than 4,000 patients since opening in 2005. Since that time, it has served as a site for clinical trials, behavioral research, and direct services. What we learn from the clinic informs every aspect of the Center’s work. The success of UCLA Vine Street Clinic programs have led to local, national and international collaborations focusing on the treatment of addiction, HIV prevention, and the intersection of the two.

Vine Clinic Link 

Getting Involved: Contact us via our contact page

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

For more information, visit: News | mSTUDY (ucla.edu)