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An AI-Based Chatbot for Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Award Number: R21AI192507
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/12/2025
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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An AI-Based Chatbot for Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men - Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia—are increasing in the United States, with disproportionately high rates among men who have sex with men (MSM). These infections can lead to serious health complications such as neurological and cardiovascular syphilis, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased HIV transmission. Doxycycline, a widely available and safe antibiotic, has shown promise as post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) to prevent bacterial STIs. Motivational interviewing (MI) is effective in promoting HIV prevention behaviors, especially when paired with the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to assess readiness for change and tailor messaging. However, traditional MI requires multiple sessions and is resource-intensive. This pilot study aims to overcome those limitations by developing and testing SAI (STI Prevention AI-Chatbot), an AI-based chatbot powered by the latest ChatGPT model. In Specific Aim 1, SAI will be tailored to assess STI risk and TTM stage, deliver stage-appropriate education, and use MI-based counseling to promote doxy-PEP uptake among MSM. In Specific Aim 2, we will conduct an open pilot trial with 25 adult MSM recruited via social media to evaluate SAI’s accuracy, usability, appropriateness, and user satisfaction, followed by iterative refinement. If successful, this study will demonstrate the feasibility of using AI to scale behavioral interventions for STI prevention and support broader implementation of doxy-PEP strategies among high-risk populations. Modified Project Title An AI-Based Chatbot for Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $225,917 )
2026	2026	THE MIRIAM HOSPITAL	164 SUMMIT AVE	PROVIDENCE	RI	02906	PROVIDENCE	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	2	8/31/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$225,917
														Subtotal = $225,917

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $200,824 )
2025	2025	THE MIRIAM HOSPITAL	164 SUMMIT AVE	PROVIDENCE	RI	02906	PROVIDENCE	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	9/12/2025	NEW	$200,824
														Subtotal = $200,824

Grand Total All Awards = $426,741

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An AI-Based Chatbot for Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Award Number: R21AI192507

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/12/2025

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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