“IJERPH Article-I Don’t Really Know Much About PrEP”: Why This Study Matters

I am excited to share a new research publication that reflects years of listening, partnership, and a commitment to elevating the lived experiences of Black women. The paper, titled “I Don’t Really Know Much About PrEP: Examining Black HBCU Women’s Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge and Awareness,” was recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This study emerged from Morgan State University with support from the Morgan Center for Urban Health Equity, and it explores how Black women at HBCUs understand and navigate information about PrEP. Their insights carry weight.

This work fills a gap that has been overlooked for far too long because HIV prevention research rarely prioritizes the voices of Black women in educational settings that shape their health trajectories. Their knowledge, comfort, and access to prevention tools must inform how we design programs and policies.

I am deeply grateful for the remarkable team of coauthors who contributed their expertise to this effort:
Brittany M. Williams PhD
Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong PhD MPH MA
Reginald Blockett
Calvin Lowery
CAPT Michelle Sandoval-Rosario DrPH MPH CPH
Rasheeta Chandler PhD ARNP FNP-BC FAANP FAAN

I also want to give special appreciation to Whitney Irie PhD whose editorial leadership helped strengthen the clarity and impact of this manuscript. Her dedication to improving HIV outcomes in Black communities continues to move the field forward.

This publication is more than research because it is a call to action for everyone working to advance HIV prevention, health equity, and community grounded solutions. We encourage you to read the full article, share it with your networks, and use these insights to inform how you engage Black HBCU women in conversations about HIV prevention.

You can access the open-access paper here —-> https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/12/1813